Latest news with #Genentech
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Genentech's Tecentriq Combined with Lurbinectedin Shows Significant Survival Benefit in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
– 46% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death, and 27% reduction in the risk of death, in an aggressive cancer type with limited survival and few treatment options – – First Phase III study in ES-SCLC first-line maintenance to demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in both progression-free and overall survival – – Data are being presented in an oral session at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in The Lancet – SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today positive results from the Phase III IMforte study of Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) in combination with lurbinectedin (Zepzelca®) as a first-line maintenance treatment for people with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), following induction therapy with carboplatin, etoposide and Tecentriq. The data showed that this combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 46% and the risk of death by 27%, compared to Tecentriq maintenance therapy alone. Safety was consistent with the known safety profiles of Tecentriq and lurbinectedin. These data are being presented in an oral session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in The Lancet. "Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive and devastating disease. At the time of diagnosis, the large majority of patients have already progressed to extensive-stage disease and only one out of five survive longer than two years," said Luis Paz-Ares, M.D., Ph.D., head of medical oncology at the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, and IMforte trial principal investigator. "The IMforte results are very encouraging showing a potentially practice-changing option that could improve survival for patients with a very high unmet need." "In the IMforte study, the Tecentriq and lurbinectedin maintenance regimen significantly extended survival for people living with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech's chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "This study builds on Tecentriq's well-established safety and efficacy profile as the first immunotherapy for this cancer type and may provide another approach to help physicians and patients better manage this aggressive disease." Patients in the IMforte study first completed four cycles of Tecentriq combined with chemotherapy, over the course of approximately three months, before being randomized into maintenance treatment. From the point of randomization, the median overall survival (OS) for the Tecentriq plus lurbinectedin regimen was 13.2 months versus 10.6 months for Tecentriq alone (stratified hazard ratio [HR]=0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.95; p=0.0174). Median progression-free survival (PFS) by independent assessment was 5.4 months versus 2.1 months, respectively (stratified HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.43–0.67; p<0.0001). No new safety signals were observed. About the IMforte study IMforte [NCT05091567] is a Phase III, open-label, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) plus lurbinectedin versus Tecentriq alone as first-line maintenance therapy for adults (≥18 years) with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Patients first received induction therapy with Tecentriq, carboplatin and etoposide for four 21-day cycles. Those without disease progression were then randomized 1:1 to receive maintenance therapy with either Tecentriq plus lurbinectedin or Tecentriq alone until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The study enrolled 660 patients in the induction phase and randomized 483 patients in the maintenance phase. The study's primary endpoints were independent review facility (IRF)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from randomization into the maintenance phase. The trial is sponsored by Genentech and co-funded by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. About Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) Tecentriq is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. Tecentriq is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the re-activation of T cells. Tecentriq may also affect normal cells. Important Safety Information and Indications Tecentriq is a prescription medicine used to treat: Adults with a type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Tecentriq may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and etoposide as your first treatment when your lung cancer: is a type called "extensive-stage small cell lung cancer," which means that it has spread or grown. It is not known if Tecentriq is safe and effective when used: In children for the treatment of SCLC. What is the most important information about Tecentriq? Tecentriq can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during your treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including: Lung problems cough shortness of breath chest pain Intestinal problems diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness Liver problems yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes severe nausea or vomiting pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen) dark urine (tea colored) bleeding or bruising more easily than normal Hormone gland problems headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches eye sensitivity to light eye problems rapid heartbeat increased sweating extreme tiredness weight gain or weight loss feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual urinating more often than usual hair loss feeling cold constipation your voice gets deeper dizziness or fainting changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness Kidney problems decrease in your amount of urine blood in your urine swelling of your ankles loss of appetite Skin problems rash itching skin blistering or peeling painful sores or ulcers in mouth or nose, throat, or genital area fever or flu-like symptoms swollen lymph nodes Problems can also happen in other organs. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with Tecentriq. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worse signs or symptoms, including: Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of ankles Confusion, sleepiness, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, stiff neck, balance problems, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs Double vision, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, changes in eyesight Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps Low red blood cells, bruising Infusion reactions that can sometimes be severe or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include: chills or shaking itching or rash flushing shortness of breath or wheezing dizziness feeling like passing out fever back or neck pain Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in people who have received a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be serious and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with Tecentriq. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications. Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during your treatment with Tecentriq. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may also need to delay or completely stop treatment with Tecentriq if you have severe side effects. Before you receive Tecentriq, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have immune system problems such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus have received an organ transplant have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic) have received radiation treatment to your chest area have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tecentriq can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Tecentriq. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Tecentriq. You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tecentriq passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most common side effects of Tecentriq when used in lung cancer with other anti-cancer medicines include: feeling tired or weak nausea hair loss constipation diarrhea decreased appetite Tecentriq may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility. These are not all the possible side effects of Tecentriq. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the benefits and side effects of Tecentriq. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for additional Important Safety Information. About Genentech in cancer immunotherapy To learn more about Genentech's scientific-led approach to cancer immunotherapy, please follow this link: About Genentech Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. ZEPZELCA is a trademark of Pharma Mar, S.A. used by Jazz Pharmaceuticals under license. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Nicole Burkart (650) 467-6800 Advocacy Contact:Katie Creme Henry (202) 258 8228 Investor Contacts:Loren Kalm (650) 225-3217Bruno Eschli +41616875284 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Genentech announces final results from OS analysis of Phase III INAVO120 study
Genentech, a member of the Roche (RHHBY) Group, announced positive final results from the overall survival, OS, analysis of the Phase III INAVO120 study. These data showed Itovebi, in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant, reduced the risk of death by more than 30% compared with palbociclib and fulvestrant alone. This represents a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival for people with PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, endocrine-resistant, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The results are being presented in an oral session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM. The Itovebi-based regimen demonstrated a meaningful OS benefit compared with palbociclib and fulvestrant alone. The median OS was 34.0 months for people in the Itovebi arm, compared with 27.0 months in the palbociclib and fulvestrant arm. The benefit seen in delaying cancer progression was maintained in the updated analysis, with the Itovebi-based regimen showing a consistent improvement in median progression free survival of 17.2 months versus 7.3 months in the comparator arm. Confident Investing Starts Here:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clean energy tax credits key part of jobs growth in NC, Gov. Josh Stein says
In May, Gov. Josh Stein announced several businesses coming to North Carolina. In Charlotte, it was AVL Manufacturing, promising to build a new production facility resulting in 325 new jobs. In Holly Springs, it was biotechnology company Genentech, announcing plans to build a new manufacturing plant with 420 jobs. In Goldsboro, it was transformer manufacturer Prolec-GE Waukesha, also with a new manufacturing plant, and 330 jobs. Those are just three of a slew of businesses coming to the state this year. So it was no surprise that when Stein delivered a speech at the Emerging Issues Forum on energy at N.C. State University this week, the subject went beyond policy to talk about the economy and business. Good morning and welcome to the Sunday Under the Dome newsletter, which focuses on the governor. I'm Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Vaughan. In his speech at N.C. State on Wednesday, Stein said that while the state has more work ahead to reduce pollution and have a clean tech economy, 'in many ways, the market demands that we do.' 'Nearly half of the leading companies in the world have a net zero emissions target. Many of these companies want to call North Carolina home. In fact, many of them already do: Amazon, Google, Meta, Toyota, Honeywell. When these companies decided where to invest, they were looking for a strong workforce, a favorable business environment, an excellent quality of life and places where they could get inexpensive, clean and reliable electricity,' Stein said. He talked about another one of his economic development announcements, held in April in Greenville, when Boviet Solar opened a new solar module factory. 'Boviet is a powerful addition to our supply chain that includes a roster of 220 solar companies that are helping to provide more low-carbon energy sources,' Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said at the time. 'They have already hired 400 employees, nearly, and they're going to keep hiring. If things progress as they fully expect, when they get to phase two, that number should increase to over 1,000 employees, making them one of the largest private sector employers in the county of Pitt,' Stein said in his energy speech this past week. 'We are a top 10 state in the nation in the number of clean energy jobs, more than 100,000 workers in the clean energy sector. Unfortunately, some in Congress want to slow our growth,' Stein said, referring to the gutting of clean energy tax credits in the huge U.S. House bill passed this month. Talking to reporters after his speech, Stein said he's told North Carolinian members of Congress about 'the urgency that we keep those tax credits.' 'Here's the thing. Companies make investments based on policy, and there has to be certainty, there has to be settled expectations, or else they do not know how to invest,' he said. 'They were told that these credits existed. Many of them have made major business decisions about investing in North Carolina. We've got to preserve those credits so that the companies get the bargain that they struck.' And speaking of taxes, while Stein was talking to reporters I asked him about the current tax battle between the House and Senate budget plans, which you can read about in my recent story. Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@ Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Data Show Genentech's Itovebi Significantly Extended Survival in a Certain Type of HR-positive Advanced Breast Cancer
– The Itovebi (inavolisib)-based regimen reduced the risk of death by more than 30% in people with PIK3CA-mutated HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, compared with palbociclib and fulvestrant alone – – The PIK3CA mutation is found in approximately 40% of HR-positive advanced breast cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis – – New data are being presented in an oral session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine – SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today positive final results from the overall survival (OS) analysis of the Phase III INAVO120 study. These data showed ItovebiTM (inavolisib), in combination with palbociclib (Ibrance®) and fulvestrant, reduced the risk of death by more than 30% compared with palbociclib and fulvestrant alone. This represents a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival for people with PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, endocrine-resistant, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The results are being presented in an oral session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). "For the first time, a PI3K pathway-targeted drug has shown it can help people with this breast cancer subtype live longer," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech's chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "Itovebi exemplifies our continued commitment to improve survival rates for people with this common PIK3CA mutation, for whom more effective treatment options are needed." "The landmark data for the inavolisib-based regimen showed not only a doubling in progression-free survival, but importantly that it extended lives and gave people more time without chemotherapy," said Professor Nicholas Turner, lead study author and professor of molecular oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, and consultant medical oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. "These results give us confidence that this regimen could become the new standard of care in the first-line setting, having demonstrated a substantial benefit on patient outcomes and quality of life." The Itovebi-based regimen demonstrated a meaningful OS benefit compared with palbociclib and fulvestrant alone. The median OS was 34.0 months (95% CI: 28.4–44.8) for people in the Itovebi arm, compared with 27.0 months (95% CI: 22.8–38.7) in the palbociclib and fulvestrant arm (stratified hazard ratio [HR]=0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.94, p-value=0.0190 [boundary=0.0469]). The benefit seen in delaying cancer progression was maintained in the updated analysis, with the Itovebi-based regimen showing a consistent improvement in median progression free survival of 17.2 months versus 7.3 months (stratified HR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.32-0.55) in the comparator arm. The Itovebi-based regimen also led to a statistically significant improvement in objective response rate (the percentage of patients whose signs of cancer completely disappear or their tumors shrink significantly after treatment) and ad-hoc exploratory analyses showed it substantially delayed time to chemotherapy by approximately two years (stratified HR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.30-0.60). No new safety signals were observed at the time of the final OS analysis, with a low discontinuation due to adverse events supporting good tolerability. Beyond INAVO120, Itovebi is currently being investigated in three company-sponsored Phase III studies (INAVO121, INAVO122, INAVO123), all in PIK3CA-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in various combinations. We are exploring additional studies in breast cancer and other tumor types with the hope of providing the benefit of this targeted therapy to more people with PIK3CA mutations. About the INAVO120 study The INAVO120 study [NCT04191499] is a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Itovebi™ (inavolisib) in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant versus placebo plus palbociclib and fulvestrant in people with PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease progressed during treatment or within 12 months of completing adjuvant endocrine therapy and who have not received prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease. The study included 325 patients, who were randomly assigned to either the investigational or control treatment arm. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival, as assessed by investigators, defined as the time from randomization in the clinical trial to the time when the disease progresses, or a patient dies from any cause. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, and clinical benefit rate. Beyond INAVO120, Itovebi is currently being investigated in three additional company-sponsored Phase III clinical studies in PIK3CA-mutated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in various combinations: in combination with fulvestrant versus alpelisib plus fulvestrant in HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer post cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor and endocrine combination therapy (INAVO121; NCT05646862). in combination with dual HER2 blockade versus dual HER2 blockade and optional physician's choice of endocrine therapy as a maintenance treatment in HER2-positive disease (INAVO122; NCT05894239). in combination with CDK4/6i and letrozole versus placebo plus a CDK4/6i and letrozole in the first-line setting in endocrine-sensitive, PIK3CA-mutated HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer (INAVO123; NCT06790693). About hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer HR-positive breast cancer is the most prevalent type of all breast cancers, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. A defining feature of HR-positive breast cancer is that its tumor cells have receptors that attach to one or both hormones – estrogen or progesterone – which can contribute to tumor growth. People diagnosed with HR-positive metastatic breast cancer often face the risk of disease progression and treatment side effects, creating a need for additional treatment options. The PI3K signaling pathway is commonly dysregulated in HR-positive breast cancer, often due to activating PIK3CA mutations, which have been identified as a potential mechanism of intrinsic resistance to standard of care endocrine therapy in combination with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors. What is Itovebi? Itovebi (inavolisib) is a prescription medicine used in combination with the medicines palbociclib and fulvestrant to treat adults who have hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer that has an abnormal phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene, and has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced), or to other parts of the body (metastatic), and has come back after hormone (endocrine) therapy. Your healthcare provider will test your cancer for abnormal PIK3CA genes to make sure that Itovebi is right for you. It is not known if Itovebi is safe and effective in children. Important Safety Information What are the possible side effects of Itovebi? Itovebi may cause serious side effects, including: High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar is common with Itovebi and may be severe. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood sugar levels before you start and during treatment with Itovebi. Your blood sugar levels may be monitored more often if you have a history of Type 2 diabetes. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to self-monitor and report your blood sugar levels at home. This will be required more frequently in the first 4 weeks of treatment. If you are not sure how to test your blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider. You should stay well-hydrated during treatment with Itovebi. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, including: difficulty breathing nausea and vomiting (lasting more than 2 hours) stomach pain excessive thirst dry mouth more frequent urination than usual or a higher amount of urine than normal blurred vision unusually increased appetite weight loss fruity-smelling breath flushed face and dry skin feeling unusually sleepy or tired confusion Mouth sores (stomatitis). Mouth sores are common with Itovebi and may be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following in your mouth: pain swelling redness ulcers Diarrhea is common with Itovebi and may be severe. Severe diarrhea can lead to the loss of too much body water (dehydration) and kidney injury. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, or see mucus or blood in your stool during treatment with Itovebi. Your healthcare provider may tell you to drink more fluids or take medicines to treat your diarrhea. Your healthcare provider may tell you to decrease your dose, temporarily stop your treatment, or completely stop your treatment with Itovebi if you develop certain serious side effects. The most common side effects and abnormal blood test results of Itovebi when used in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant include: decreased white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, and platelet counts decreased blood levels of calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium increased creatinine blood levels tiredness increased blood levels of the liver enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) nausea rash loss of appetite COVID-19 infection headache Itovebi may affect fertility in males and in females who are able to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. These are not all the possible side effects of Itovebi. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or You may also report side effects to Genentech at (877) 436-3683. Before you take Itovebi, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have a history of diabetes or high blood sugar have kidney problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Itovebi can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before you start treatment with Itovebi. You should use effective non-hormonal birth control (contraception) during treatment with Itovebi and for 1 week after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Itovebi. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Itovebi and for 1 week after your last dose. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Itovebi passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Itovebi and for 1 week after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with Itovebi. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Please see additional Important Safety Information in the full Itovebi Prescribing Information or visit About Genentech in Breast Cancer Genentech has been advancing breast cancer research for more than 30 years with the goal of helping as many people with the disease as possible. Our medicines, along with companion diagnostic tests, have contributed to bringing breakthrough outcomes in human epidermal growth factor 2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers. As our understanding of breast cancer biology rapidly improves, we are working to identify new biomarkers and approaches to treatment for other subtypes of the disease, including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which is a form of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the most prevalent type of all breast cancers. About Genentech Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Nicole Burkart (650) 467-6800Advocacy Contact:Julie Burns (860) 881-6594Investor Contacts:Loren Kalm (650) 225-3217Bruno Eschli +41 61 687 5284 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Genentech's Fenebrutinib Maintains Near-Complete Suppression of Disease Activity and Disability Progression for up to Two Years in People With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
- Patients on fenebrutinib had low relapse rates with data showing no active brain lesions or disability progression after nearly two years of treatment - - Phase III studies for fenebrutinib in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis are expected to start reading out at year end - SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today new, 96-week data for fenebrutinib demonstrating that patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) maintained no disability progression and low levels of disease activity for up to two years. The latest results for this investigational Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor from the Phase II FENopta open-label extension (OLE) study were presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. "These data show that patients treated with fenebrutinib experienced an annualized relapse rate equal to one relapse every 17 years and no observed disability progression up to two years,'' said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech's chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "Fenebrutinib is potent, highly selective and the only reversible BTK inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis, and we look forward to seeing the first of those results later this year." Ninety-nine patients entered the OLE and 93 remained in the OLE after 96 weeks. During the OLE period, patients treated with fenebrutinib for up to 96 weeks had a low annualized relapse rate (ARR) of 0.06, and during this time there was no disability progression, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). MRI scans showed that fenebrutinib treatment suppressed disease activity in the brain. At 96 weeks zero new T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1-Gd+) lesions, which are markers of active inflammation, were detected. In the treatment group that switched from placebo to fenebrutinib in the OLE, the annualized rate of new or enlarging T2 lesions, which represent chronic disease burden, decreased from 6.72 at the end of the 12 week double-blind period to 0.34 by 96 weeks. The safety profile of fenebrutinib in the OLE was consistent with previously reported data, with no new safety concerns identified at 96 weeks. The most common adverse events (AEs) in ≥5% of patients were COVID-19 (10%), urinary tract infection (10%), pharyngitis (6%) and respiratory tract infection (5%). Serious AEs occurred in two patients (2%). During the OLE, one patient experienced asymptomatic alanine aminotransferase elevation at OLE week 4, after 16 weeks on treatment, which resolved with treatment discontinuation. Three Phase III clinical trials are ongoing, including the FENhance 1 and 2 trials in RMS and the FENtrepid trial in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). The first data from these studies, which will characterize the effects of fenebrutinib on disease progression across the multiple sclerosis spectrum, are expected at the end of 2025. About fenebrutinib Fenebrutinib is an investigational oral, reversible and non-covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that blocks the function of BTK. BTK, also known as tyrosine-protein kinase BTK, is an enzyme that regulates B-cell development and activation and is also involved in the activation of innate immune system myeloid lineage cells, such as macrophages and microglia. Preclinical data have shown fenebrutinib to be potent and highly selective, and it is the only reversible BTK inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis. Fenebrutinib has been shown to be 130 times more selective for BTK vs. other kinases. Fenebrutinib is a dual inhibitor of both B-cell and microglia activation. This dual inhibition may be able to reduce both multiple sclerosis disease activity and disability progression, thereby potentially addressing the key unmet medical need of disability progression in people living with multiple sclerosis. The fenebrutinib Phase III program includes two identical trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) (FENhance 1 & 2) with active comparator teriflunomide and the only trial in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) (FENtrepid) in which a BTK inhibitor is being evaluated against Ocrevus. To date, more than 2,700 patients and healthy volunteers have been treated with fenebrutinib in Phase I, II and III clinical programs across multiple diseases, including multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. About the FENopta study The FENopta study was a global Phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week study to investigate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of fenebrutinib in 109 adults aged 18-55 years with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The primary endpoint was the total number of new T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1-Gd+) lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included the number of new or enlarging T2-weighted lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and the proportion of patients free from any new T1-Gd+ lesions and new or enlarging T2-weighted lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The goal of the FENopta study was to characterize the effect of fenebrutinib on MRI and soluble biomarkers of disease activity and progression, and it included an optional substudy to measure cerebrospinal fluid fenebrutinib levels and biomarkers of neuronal injury. Data from the 12-week study showed that fenebrutinib is central nervous system (CNS) penetrant (crosses the blood-brain barrier) and has the potential to impact mechanisms underlying chronic progressive disease biology in multiple sclerosis patients. Fenebrutinib significantly reduced new T1-Gd+ lesions and new/enlarging T2 lesions compared to placebo. The safety profile of fenebrutinib was consistent with previous and ongoing fenebrutinib clinical trials and there were no new safety concerns identified. Patients who completed the FENopta study were given the option to take part in an open-label extension (OLE) study, in which all patients receive fenebrutinib up to 192 weeks. About multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects more than 2.9 million people worldwide. MS occurs when the immune system abnormally attacks the insulation and support around nerve cells (myelin sheath) in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves), causing inflammation and consequent damage. This damage can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue and difficulty seeing, and may eventually lead to disability. Most people with MS experience their first symptom between 20 and 40 years of age, making the disease the leading cause of acquired non-traumatic disability in younger adults. People with all forms of MS experience disease progression – permanent loss of nerve cells in the central nervous system – from the beginning of their disease even if their symptoms aren't apparent or don't appear to be getting worse. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact people with MS, in terms of their physical and mental health, and contribute to the negative financial impact on the individual and society. An important goal of treating MS is to slow, stop and ideally prevent progression as early as possible. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of the disease and is characterized by episodes of new or worsening signs or symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery. Approximately 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS. The majority of people who are diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), in which they experience steadily worsening disability over time. Relapsing forms of MS (RMS) include people with RRMS and people with SPMS who continue to experience relapses. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is a debilitating form of the disease marked by steadily worsening symptoms but typically without distinct relapses or periods of remission. Approximately 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with the primary progressive form of the disease. Until the FDA approval of Ocrevus intravenous (IV) infusion, there had been no FDA-approved treatments for PPMS and Ocrevus IV and Ocrevus Zunovo are the only approved treatments for PPMS. About Genentech in neuroscience Neuroscience is a major focus of research and development at Genentech and Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases. Genentech and Roche are investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autism spectrum disorder. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neuroscience today. About Genentech Access Solutions Access Solutions is part of Genentech's commitment to helping people access the Genentech medicines they are prescribed, regardless of their ability to pay. The team of in-house specialists at Access Solutions is dedicated to helping people navigate the access and reimbursement process and to providing assistance to eligible patients in the United States who are uninsured or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their medicine. To date, the team has helped more than 2 million patients access the medicines they need. Please contact Access Solutions (866) 4ACCESS/(866) 422-2377 or visit for more information. About Genentech Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit Indications and Important Safety Information What are Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo? Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo are prescription medicines used to treat: Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults Primary progressive MS, in adults It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo are safe and effective in children. Who should not receive Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo? Do not receive Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo if you: have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. have had a life-threatening administration reaction to ocrelizumab. have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to ocrelizumab, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients of Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo or any of their ingredients in the past. What is the most important information I should know about Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo? Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo can cause serious side effects, including: Infusion reactions (Ocrevus): Infusion reactions are a common side effect of Ocrevus, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of Ocrevus for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction. Injection reactions (Ocrevus Zunovo): Injection reactions are a common side effect of Ocrevus Zunovo, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored for signs and symptoms of an injection reaction when you receive Ocrevus Zunovo. This will happen during all injections for at least 1 hour after your first injection, and for at least 15 minutes after all injections following the first injection. Tell your healthcare provider or nurse if you get any of these symptoms: itchy skin trouble breathing nausea shortness of breath rash throat irritation or pain headache fatigue hives feeling faint swelling of the throat fast heartbeat tiredness fever dizziness coughing or wheezing redness on your face (flushing) Additionally, for Ocrevus Zunovo: injection site pain swelling redness These infusion and injection reactions can happen during or up to 24 hours after administration. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above after each infusion or injection. Infection: Infections are a common side effect. Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo increase your risk of getting upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and herpes infections. Serious infections can happen with Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo, which can be life-threatening or cause death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an infection or have any of the following signs of infection including fever, chills, or a cough that does not go away, or painful urination. Signs of herpes infection include: cold sores, shingles, genital sores, skin rash, pain, and itching. Signs of more serious herpes infection include: changes in vision, eye redness or eye pain, severe or persistent headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Signs of infection can happen during treatment or after you have received your last dose of Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection. Your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo until your infection is gone. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: Before starting treatment with ocrelizumab, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Weakened immune system: Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system could increase your risk of getting infections. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability and has been reported with ocrelizumab. Symptoms of PML get worse over days to weeks. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms that have lasted several days, including problems with: thinking eyesight strength balance weakness on 1 side of your body using your arms or legs Decreased immunoglobulins: Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo may cause a decrease in some types of immunoglobulins. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood immunoglobulin levels. Before receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have or think you have an infection. See "What is the most important information I should know about Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo?" have ever taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for MS. These medicines could increase your risk of getting an infection. have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colitis. have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should receive any required 'live' or 'live-attenuated' vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. You should not receive 'live' or 'live-attenuated' vaccines while you are being treated with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo and until your healthcare provider tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened. When possible, you should receive any 'non-live' vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. If you would like to receive any non-live (inactivated) vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine, while you are being treated with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have a baby and you received Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo during your pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby's healthcare provider about receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo so they can decide when your baby should be vaccinated. are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo will harm your unborn baby. You should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo and for 6 months after your last dose of Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Talk with your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What are the possible side effects of Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo? Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo may cause serious side effects, including: Risk of cancers (malignancies) including breast cancer: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about standard screening guidelines for breast cancer. Inflammation of the colon, or colitis: Tell your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of colitis, such as: Diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual Stools that are black, tarry, sticky or have blood or mucus Severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness The most common side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo include: Injection reactions Respiratory tract infections Skin infections These are not all the possible side effects of Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. For more information, go to or call 1-844-627-3887. Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout and click here for full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ocrevus. Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout and click here for full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ocrevus Zunovo. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Michelle McCourt(650) 467-6800Advocacy Contact:Lily Rose Atherton(202) 713-0083Investor Contacts:Loren Kalm(650) 225-3217Bruno Eschli+4161 6875284 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
