Latest news with #R-GemOx
Business Wire
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Merck's Investigational Zilovertamab Vedotin at 1.75 mg/kg Dose Plus Standard of Care Showed Promising Antitumor Activity, Including Complete Response Rate, in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL in Phase 2 Portion of waveLINE-003 Trial
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced results from the dose confirmation portion of the Phase 2/3 waveLINE-003 study evaluating zilovertamab vedotin in combination with standard of care rituximab and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Zilovertamab vedotin is an investigational, potential first-in-class antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that targets receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). At a pre-planned analysis, zilovertamab vedotin 1.75 mg/kg in combination with R-GemOx achieved a 56.3% objective response rate (ORR) in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL (n=16), with eight complete responses (CR) and one partial response (PR). These data are being presented for the first time today during an oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract #7005). 'Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma continue to experience poor outcomes and an unmet need remains to help provide these patients with additional options to treat their cancer,' said Dr. Philippe Armand, the study's principal investigator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 'These data from the Phase 2 portion of the waveLINE-003 trial are encouraging for patients and support further research in the relapsed/refractory setting in a larger patient population.' 'In the Phase 2 portion of the waveLINE-003 trial, the 1.75 mg/kg dose of zilovertamab vedotin with rituximab, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin demonstrated a promising response rate, complete response rate and manageable safety profile in combination with standard of care,' said Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki, vice president, oncology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories. 'The Phase 3 portion of this trial is already enrolling, and as we continue to advance our research of this investigational ROR1-directed ADC, these promising results amplify our belief in the potential of zilovertamab vedotin to treat multiple hematologic malignancies.' Zilovertamab vedotin is currently being evaluated in patients with previously untreated DLBCL in the Phase 3 waveLINE-010 study (NCT06717347) and in the Phase 2 waveLINE-007 study (NCT05406401). Additionally, we recently initiated the Phase 2 waveLINE-011 study (NCT06890884), which is a randomized, open-label clinical trial evaluating zilovertamab vedotin plus rituximab and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) versus polatuzumab vedotin with R-CHP for the treatment of patients with DLBCL. The trial is estimated to enroll 594 patients and the primary endpoint is CR rate at end of treatment, with secondary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), event-free survival, duration of CR and safety. Global recruitment of the waveLINE-011 study has begun, with patients now enrolling. As announced, data spanning more than 25 types of cancer are being presented from Merck's broad oncology portfolio and investigational pipeline at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. Study design and additional data from waveLINE-003 WaveLINE-003 is a Phase 2/3 randomized, multicenter, open-label, dose confirmation and expansion clinical trial ( NCT05139017) designed to assess the safety and efficacy of zilovertamab vedotin in combination with standard of care options for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL after one or more lines of therapy. This study is divided into two parts: dose confirmation (part 1) and efficacy expansion (part 2) and enrolled adult participants with confirmed relapsed or refractory DLBCL after one or more lines of therapy and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. In Part 1, primary endpoints were safety and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Secondary endpoints were ORR, duration of response (DOR) per Lugano 2014 response criteria by blinded independent central review and OS. Part 1 of the trial enrolled 40 patients (as of the August 1, 2024 data cutoff) to receive either: Zilovertamab vedotin (1.5 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) plus rituximab (375 mg/m 2 IV), gemcitabine (1000 mg/m 2 IV) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m 2 IV), given every three weeks (Q3W) up to six cycles (n=17), or Zilovertamab vedotin (1.75 mg/kg IV) plus R-GemOx Q3W up to six cycles (n=16), or Zilovertamab vedotin (2.0 mg/kg IV) plus R-GemOx Q3W up to six cycles (n=7). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 98% of patients (n=40). Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 63% of patients (n=25). At the 1.5 mg/kg dose of zilovertamab vedotin plus R-GemOx, four patients completed treatment, eight discontinued due to progression and one withdrew, with four patients receiving ongoing treatment at data cut-off. At the 1.75 mg/kg dose, eight patients completed treatment, seven discontinued due to progression and one patient discontinued due to physician decision. In the 2.0 mg/kg dose cohort, three patients completed treatment, three patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs) (treatment-related sepsis and respiratory failure), and one patient withdrew due to physician decision. One patient died after discontinuing treatment due to treatment-related sepsis. The most common AEs were diarrhea, nausea, anemia and platelet count decrease, while the most common Grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia, neutrophil count decrease, platelet count decrease and anemia. Seven dose-limiting toxicities occurred across all participants. At the 1.5 mg/kg dose of zilovertamab vedotin plus R-GemOx, one participant had Grade 4 febrile neutropenia. At the 1.75 mg/kg dose, one participant experienced Grade 3 alanine aminotransferase increased and one patient had intestinal obstruction. At the 2.0 mg/kg dose, participants had Grade 3 diarrhea, Grade 4 neutrophil count decrease and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (one patient each), and one patient experienced both Grade 3 febrile neutropenia and Grade 4 neutrophil count decrease. The median follow-up for all participants was 9.8 months. At a median follow-up of 18.1 months (range, 2.4 to 23.3 months) in patients receiving the 1.5 mg/kg dose of zilovertamab vedotin (n=15), ORR was 26.7% (3 CR [20.0%], 1 PR [6.7%]) and median DOR was 14.4 months (95% CI, not reached [NR]-NR). At a median follow-up of 9.9 months (range, 4.0 to 30.0 months) for patients receiving the 1.75 mg/kg dose (n=16), ORR was 56.3% (8 CR [50.0%], 1 PR [6.3%]) and median DOR was 8.7 months (95% CI, 2.3-NR). At a median follow-up of 9.3 months (range, 6.0 to 10.0 months) for patients receiving the 2.0 mg/kg dose (n=7), the ORR was 57.1% (3 CR [42.9%], 1 PR [14.3%]) and median DOR was not reached (95% CI, 4.1-NR). Based on these results and accompanying safety data, the recommended Phase 2 dose of zilovertamab vedotin was determined to be 1.75 mg/kg when used with R-GemOx. About diffuse large B-cell lymphoma Lymphoma is cancer beginning in the lymphatic system – the network of organs, vessels and tissues that protects the body from infection. There are many subtypes of lymphoma, which is often categorized into two main types – Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of NHL, is derived from white blood cells that grow rapidly and uncontrollably, enlarging the lymph nodes and often migrating to other parts of the body. DLBCL accounts for approximately 25-30% of all NHLs worldwide. In the U.S., it is estimated that approximately 25,000 patients are diagnosed with DLBCL each year. The five-year relative survival rate for DLBCL is 60-70%. About zilovertamab vedotin (MK-2140) Zilovertamab vedotin is an investigational, potential first-in-class ADC that targets ROR1. ROR1 is a transmembrane protein that is overexpressed in multiple hematologic malignancies. Merck is committed to research with zilovertamab vedotin across B-cell malignancies and has established a robust program of clinical trials under the name waveLINE. In addition to waveLINE-003, the waveLINE program includes a Phase 3 study in patients with previously untreated DLBCL (waveLINE-010, NCT06717347), a Phase 2 study in patients with select B-cell lymphomas (waveLINE-006, NCT05458297), a Phase 2 study in patients with germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL (waveLINE-011, NCT06890884) and a Phase 2 study in patients with previously untreated DLBCL (waveLINE-007, NCT05406401). About Merck in hematology Merck is committed to advancing innovation and care for people with hematologic neoplasms and malignancies. Building on its leadership in oncology, the company has a broad clinical development program that evaluates novel mechanisms of action to address longstanding unmet needs for patients with hematologic disorders. Among Merck's research efforts are studies evaluating multiple investigational medicines as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies across a range of hematologic neoplasms and malignancies. Merck's focus on cancer Every day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 25 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the 'company') includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Two-year Follow-up of Genentech's Columvi Extends Overall Survival in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today two-year follow-up data from the Phase III STARGLO study. After a median follow-up of 24.7 months, data showed a 40% improvement in overall survival (OS) for patients treated with Columvi ® (glofitamab-gxbm) in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) and median OS was not reached, compared to 13.5 months for Rituxan ® (rituximab) plus GemOx (R-GemOx). These updated data continue to demonstrate the statistically significant and clinically meaningful survival benefit of this off-the-shelf, fixed-duration Columvi combination for people with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have received at least one prior line of therapy and are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Data will be presented in an oral session at the 61st American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), May 30 – June 3, 2025. 'We are encouraged that the two-year follow-up data for Columvi reinforces its potential to extend the lives of many patients where prognosis has historically been poor,' said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. 'These findings demonstrate the potential lasting benefits of early and effective treatment initiation with a bispecific antibody for people with relapsed or refractory disease.' "When cancer comes back or doesn't respond to treatment, it's devastating for patients with DLBCL given the aggressive nature of the disease,' said Haifaa Abdulhaq, M.D., professor, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), director of Hematology, UCSF Fresno. 'In my community practice, I've seen the potential of this Columvi combination to help patients start treatment quickly – providing lasting remissions and more time without ongoing therapy.' The benefit across key secondary endpoints, including progression-free survival (PFS) and complete remission (CR), was maintained for patients treated with the Columvi combination. There was a 59% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death (hazard ratio =0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.58) and more than twice as many patients sustained a CR (58.5% vs. 25.3%). Among patients with a CR at the end of the treatment period, 89% were alive and 82% had maintained remission one year after treatment. Safety of the combination remained unchanged from the previous analysis and was consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines. Patients received a higher median number of cycles of the Columvi combination (11 versus 4), due to disease progression in the R-GemOx arm. A higher rate of adverse events (AEs) was observed with the Columvi regimen. One of the most common AEs was cytokine release syndrome, which was generally low grade. Given the wide adoption of global treatment guidelines in real-world clinical practice, there are no biological or clinical differences in DLBCL management worldwide. While second-line therapies have advanced, DLBCL can progress rapidly and many people are not candidates for, cannot tolerate, or do not have access to latest therapies. There is an urgent need for treatments that are rapidly available upon a diagnosis of relapse, that can manage the disease and improve long-term outcomes. Based on the STARGLO data, this Columvi combination is approved in more than 30 countries for people with R/R DLBCL who are not candidates for ASCT, including countries throughout the EU. Columvi in combination with GemOx was added to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines ®) as an NCCN category 1 preferred recommendation for the treatment of people with second-line DLBCL who are not intended to proceed to transplant. † Columvi monotherapy has been approved for use in R/R DLBCL after two or more prior lines of therapy in more than 60 countries worldwide. Columvi is part of Genentech's industry-leading CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody program. Together with the clinical development of off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR T-therapies, Genentech aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. † NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. About the STARGLO study The STARGLO study [GO41944; NCT04408638] is a Phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Columvi ® (glofitamab-gxbm) in combination with gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus Rituxan ® (rituximab) in combination with GemOx in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior line of therapy and who are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant, or who have received two or more prior lines of therapy. Preclinical research indicated an increased antitumor effect when combining Columvi with GemOx over GemOx alone, so the STARGLO study was initiated to further explore the potential complementary effects of the treatment combination. Outcome measures include overall survival (primary endpoint), progression-free survival, complete response rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response (secondary endpoints), and safety and tolerability. About Columvi ® (glofitamab-gxbm) Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T cells and CD20 on the surface of B cells. Columvi was designed with a novel 2:1 structural format. This T-cell engaging bispecific antibody is engineered to have one region that binds to CD3, a protein on T cells, a type of immune cell, and two regions that bind to CD20, a protein on B cells, which can be healthy or malignant. This dual-targeting brings the T cell in close proximity to the B cell, activating the release of cancer cell-killing proteins from the T cell. Columvi is part of Genentech's broad and industry-leading CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody clinical development program, which aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. Genentech is investigating Columvi as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma. As part of Genentech's efforts to elevate treatment standards in the earlier stages of DLBCL, where there is the best opportunity to improve long-term outcomes and prevent relapse, Columvi is also being investigated in combination with other medicines in previously untreated DLBCL in the Phase III SKYGLO study [GO44145; NCT06047080 ]. About Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive (fast-growing) blood cancer and is the most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the U.S. Approximately 160,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with DLBCL each year, with comparable incidence rates across regions. Medical practices, including pathological classification, diagnosis, staging, initial treatment and relapse management, are similarly approached worldwide. While it is generally responsive to treatment in the frontline, as many as 40% of people will relapse or have refractory disease, at which time salvage therapy options are limited and survival is short. Improving treatments earlier in the course of the disease and providing much-needed alternative options could help to improve long-term outcomes. Columvi U.S. Indication Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that has come back (relapsed) or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory), and who have received 2 or more prior treatments for their cancer. It is not known if Columvi is safe and effective in children. The conditional approval of Columvi is based on response rate and durability of response. There are ongoing studies to establish how well the drug works. What is the most important information I should know about Columvi? Columvi can cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect that is common during treatment with Columvi, and can also be serious and lead to death. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of CRS, including: fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher chills or shaking fast or irregular heartbeat dizziness or light-headedness trouble breathing shortness of breath Due to the risk of CRS, you will receive Columvi on a 'step-up dosing schedule'. A single dose of a medicine called obinutuzumab will be given to you on the first day of your first treatment cycle (Day 1 of Cycle 1). You will start the Columvi step-up dosing schedule a week after the obinutuzumab dose. The step-up dosing schedule is when you receive smaller 'step-up' doses of Columvi on Day 8 and Day 15 of Cycle 1. This is to help reduce your risk of CRS. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the first step-up dose on Day 8. You should be hospitalized during your infusion and for 24 hours after receiving the second step-up dose on Day 15 if you experienced CRS during the first step-up dose. You will receive your first full dose of Columvi a week after the second step-up dose (this will be Day 1 of Cycle 2). If your dose of Columvi is delayed for any reason, you may need to repeat the 'step-up dosing schedule'. If you had more than mild CRS with your previous dose of Columvi, you should be hospitalized during and for 24 hours after receiving your next dose of Columvi. Before each dose of Columvi, you will receive medicines to help reduce your risk of CRS and infusion-related reactions. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for CRS during treatment with Columvi and may treat you in a hospital if you develop signs and symptoms of CRS. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop your treatment with Columvi if you have severe side effects. Carry the Columvi Patient Wallet Card with you at all times and show it to all of your healthcare providers. The Columvi Patient Wallet Card lists the signs and symptoms of CRS you should get emergency medical help for right away. What are the possible side effects of Columvi? Columvi may cause serious side effects, including: Cytokine Release Syndrome. Neurologic problems. Columvi can cause serious neurologic problems that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for neurologic problems during treatment with Columvi. Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in neurologic problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of neurologic problems, including: headache confusion and disorientation difficulty paying attention or understanding things trouble speaking sleepiness memory problems numbness, tingling, or weakness of the hands or feet dizziness shaking (tremors) Serious Infections. Columvi can cause serious infections that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for signs and symptoms of infection and treat you as needed. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs of an infection, including: fever, chills, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat. Growth in your tumor or worsening of tumor related problems (tumor flare). Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of these signs or symptoms of tumor flare: tender or swollen lymph nodes pain or swelling at the site of the tumor chest pain cough trouble breathing The most common side effects of Columvi include: CRS, muscle and bone pain, rash, and tiredness. The most common severe abnormal lab test results with Columvi include: decreased white blood cells, decreased phosphate (an electrolyte), increased uric acid levels, and decreased fibrinogen (a protein that helps with blood clotting). Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop treatment with Columvi if you develop certain side effects. Before receiving Columvi, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection have kidney problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Columvi may harm your unborn baby Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Columvi. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of Columvi. 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 Columvi. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Columvi may pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of Columvi. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What should I avoid while receiving Columvi? Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities if you develop dizziness, confusion, shaking (tremors), sleepiness, or any other symptoms that impair consciousness until your signs and symptoms go away. These may be signs and symptoms of neurologic problems. These are not all the possible side effects of Columvi. Talk to your health care provider for more information about the benefits and risks of Columvi. You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Please see Important Safety Information, including Serious Side Effects, as well as the Columvi full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit About Genentech in hematology For more than 20 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in hematology. Today, we're investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to people with diseases of the blood. For more information visit 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
