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ZYNYZ: Efficacy and safety evaluated in patients with advanced MCC1

POD1UM-201 study design

POD1UM-201 was an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study that evaluated efficacy (N=65) and safety (N=105) of ZYNYZ in patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC; efficacy-evaluable patients had not received prior systemic therapy for their advanced disease.

Key Eligibility Criteria

  • Metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC with no prior systemic therapy for advanced disease
    • Eligible: Well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy*
    • Ineligible: Active autoimmune disease or a medical condition requiring immunosuppression

Select BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS

  • Median age 71 years (range: 44-90)
    • 37% were ≥75 years
  • 65% male
  • 78% White
  • 72% had prior surgery, 38% had prior radiotherapy
  • 88% metastatic disease
  • 1 patient was HIV-positive
65 adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma were evaluated for efficacy in the clinical trial of ZYNYZ
65 adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma were evaluated for efficacy in the clinical trial of ZYNYZ

Major efficacy OUTCOMES

  • Overall response rate (ORR)
  • Duration of response (DOR)

ZYNYZ 500 MG INTRAVENOUSLY (IV) every 4 weeks

Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months.

  • Tumor response assessments were performed every 8 weeks for the first year of therapy and 12 weeks thereafter.1
  • *HIV-positive, with an undetectable viral load, a CD4+ count ≥300 cells/μL and receiving antiretroviral therapy.
  • As assessed by an independent central review committee according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1.
ZYNYZ was granted accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and DOR.1

ZYNYZ delivered a high tumor response rate with durable responses1

A MAJORITY OF PATIENTS ACHIEVED A TUMOR RESPONSE—AND NEARLY 2/3 OF THOSE PATIENTS MAINTAINED A RESPONSE ≥1 YEAR1

Objective Response Rate (ORR)
52% objective response rate for patients who received ZYNYZ, including 18% complete response and 34% partial response
52% objective response rate for patients who received ZYNYZ, including 18% complete response and 34% partial response
divider-2
Duration of Response (DOR)

DOR RANGE: 1.1 TO 24.9+ MONTHS

76% of patients who responded to ZYNYZ had a duration of response lasting 6 months or longer
62% of responding patients had a duration of response lasting 12 months or longer

The + denotes ongoing response.1

Median DOR was not reached at the time of analysis, with a median follow-up time of 13.9 months.2

POD1UM-201 additional endpoints

ZYNYZ received accelerated approval from the FDA based on overall response rate and duration of response in a single-arm study

  • Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and disease control rate (DCR) were secondary endpoints studied in POD1UM-201 that are not reflected in the full Prescribing Information
  • Due to the potential variability in the natural history of the disease, a single-arm study may not adequately characterize these time-to-event endpoints
Kaplan-Meier estimate of PFS (N=65)

PATIENTS RECEIVING ZYNYZ HAD A MEDIAN PFS OF 16 MONTHS2,§

Median progression-free survival was 16 months for patients receiving ZYNYZ
  • Median follow-up at time of data cutoff was 10.2 months2

CI, confidence interval; NE, not estimable.

§As assessed by an independent central review committee according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1.2

Kaplan-Meier estimate of OS (N=65)

MEDIAN OS WAS NOT REACHED IN PATIENTS RECEIVING ZYNYZ2

Median overall survival had not been reached in patients receiving ZYNYZ
  • Median follow-up at time of data cutoff was 18.5 months; a total of 19 patients (29%) had died2

CI, confidence interval; NE, not estimable.

The disease control rate for patients receiving ZYNYZ was 62%, with 18% demonstrating a complete response, 34% demonstrating a partial response, and 9% with stable disease

DCR was assessed by an independent central review committee and defined as the proportion of patients with a confirmed overall response (CR and PR) at any post-baseline visit, or stable disease (non-CR/non-PD) lasting at least 6 months from start of treatment, until the first evaluation result of PD or new anticancer therapy.2

Due to rounding, DCR percentage may not correspond with the sum of CR, PR, and SD percentages.

CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; PD, progressive disease; PR, partial response; SD, stable disease.

References: 1. ZYNYZ Prescribing Information. Wilmington, DE: Incyte Corporation. 2. Data on file. Incyte Corporation. Wilmington, DE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed may not be inclusive of all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, can occur at any time after starting or discontinuing treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody, and can affect more than one body system simultaneously.

Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of such reactions. Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. If suspected, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity. In general, if ZYNYZ requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1-2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to ≤ Grade 1. Then, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroids.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3% (13/440) of patients, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.4%) reactions. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding in 0.9%.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (10/13) of patients. Pneumonitis resolved in 10 of the 13 patients.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated colitis. Cytomegalovirus infections/reactivations have occurred in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis treated with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.6% (7/440) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.2%), and Grade 2 (0.7%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding in 0.9%.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 71% (5/7) of patients. Colitis resolved in 4/7 patients.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3% (13/440) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.3%), and Grade 2 (0.5%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1.4% of patients and withholding in 0.9%.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 85% (11/13) of patients. Hepatitis resolved in 6/13 patients.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency

ZYNYZ can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For ≥ Grade 2 adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment per institutional guidelines, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity.

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.7% (3/440) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.5%) and Grade 2 (0.2%). ZYNYZ was permanently discontinued in no patients and was withheld for 1 patient with adrenal insufficiency.

All patients required systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 1 of the 3 patients.

Hypophysitis

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts, and can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity.

Hypophysitis occurred in 0.5% (2/440, both Grade 2) of patients. No patients discontinued or withheld ZYNYZ due to hypophysitis.

All patients required systemic steroids. Hypophysitis resolved in 1 of the 2 patients.

Thyroid Disorders

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity.

Thyroiditis occurred in 0.7% (3/440, all Grade 1) of patients. No patients discontinued or withheld ZYNYZ due to thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 1 of the 3 patients.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurred in 10% (42/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 2 (4.8%). No patients discontinued due to hypothyroidism. ZYNYZ was withheld in 0.5% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required for 1 patient, and 79% (33/42) of patients received endocrine therapy.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 6% (24/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 2 (2.5%).

ZYNYZ was not discontinued in any patient and was withheld in 1 patient. Systemic corticosteroids were required for 13% (3/24) of patients, and 46% (11/24) of patients received endocrine therapy.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Which Can Present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold ZYNYZ depending on severity.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.2% (1/440) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) adverse reactions.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 1.6% (7/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 4 (0.5%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (0.5%). Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 0.9% of patients and withholding in 1 patient.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 57% (4/7) of patients. Nephritis resolved in 3/7 patients.

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity.

Immune-mediated skin reactions occurred in 8% (36/440) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.1%) and Grade 2 (7%). Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding in 2.3% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (9/36) of patients. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 75% (27/36) of patients.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of < 1% in 440 patients who received ZYNYZ or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, including severe or fatal cases.

Cardiac/vascular: myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis

Gastrointestinal: pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis

Musculoskeletal: myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica

Neurological: meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy

Ocular: uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada–like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Endocrine: hypoparathyroidism

Other (Hematologic/Immune): hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection.

Infusion-Related Reactions

A severe infusion-related reaction (Grade 3) occurred in 1 (0.2%) of 440 patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms; interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ based on severity of reaction. Consider premedication with an antipyretic and/or an antihistamine for patients who have had previous systemic reactions to infusions of therapeutic proteins.

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause), which may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ZYNYZ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus, resulting in fetal death. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

Lactation

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

The safety of ZYNYZ was evaluated in 105 patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 22% of patients receiving ZYNYZ. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥ 2% of patients) were fatigue, arrhythmia, and pneumonitis.

Permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients. These included asthenia, atrial fibrillation, concomitant disease progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, demyelinating polyneuropathy, eosinophilic fasciitis, increased transaminases, infusion-related reaction, lung disorder, pancreatitis, polyarthritis, and radiculopathy (1 patient each).

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 25% of patients. Adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities that required dosage interruption in ≥ 2% of patients were increased transaminases, increased lipase, increased amylase, pneumonitis, and pyrexia.

The most common (≥ 10%) adverse reactions were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, rash, pyrexia, and nausea.

 

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for ZYNYZ for additional Important Safety Information.