Citations

Abstract Multiple myeloma is a disease of the antibody producing plasma cells in the bone marrow. It has been characterized by frequent genomic alterations including gains and losses of chromosomes. Some of these alterations result in poor clinical prognosis. Bortezomib, a first in class proteasome inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. To better understand how the genome wide changes observed in myeloma relate to prognosis and treatment response, we have used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array technology to assess genotypes and DNA copy number at up to 100,000 genomic loci. DNA from 147 bone marrow tumor biopsies collected in multi-center phase II and III clinical trials of relapsed multiple myeloma patients prior to treatment with Bortezomib were hybridized on SNP arrays to assess genomic aberrations. Commonly seen genomic alterations in myeloma were observed, including deletions of chromosome 13 (37%), 1p (25%), 6q (23%), and amplifications on 1q (35%). We found that 35% of this relapsed myeloma population exhibited a hyperdiploid genome characterized by gains of chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, and 19. Other notable genomic deletions included 17p (22%), 8p (27%) and 10p (16%). A correlation of response to bortezomib therapy in patients with differential gains and losses at the chromosomal level is ongoing. Consistent with previous reports, response to bortezomib was observed in patients with poor prognostic chr 13 deletions. A more in-depth analysis of specific loci associated with clinical outcome will be discussed. In summary, this data will help further define genomic aberrations in multiple myeloma and their association with treatment outcome.

Abstract Background Ixazomib, the first oral proteasome inhibitor, is approved by the US FDA, in combination with Rd, for the treatment of MM patients (pts) who have received at least 1 prior therapy. Approval was based on the double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 TOURMALINE-MM1 study (NCT01564537) in 722 pts with RRMM (Moreau et al, N Engl J Med 2016), in which IRd showed superior PFS versus placebo-Rd (HR 0.74) at the final prespecified analysis, with limited additional toxicity. Prespecified subgroup analyses showed a consistent PFS benefit with IRd, but with a differential treatment effect according to prior therapy exposure. An exploratory study objective was to evaluate potential relationships between treatment outcomes and tumor gene expression patterns. c-MYC is a proto-oncogene that encodes a transcription factor regulating cell proliferation, growth, protein translation, metabolism, and apoptosis, and increased c-MYC expression is involved in MM pathogenesis/progression. We analyzed the impact of c-MYC expression on PFS in RRMM pts treated with IRd or placebo-Rd. Methods Pts with RRMM after 1-3 prior lines of therapy were randomized 1:1 to receive oral ixazomib or placebo, plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Randomization was stratified by number of prior therapies (1 vs 2-3), proteasome inhibitor exposure, and ISS disease stage. The primary endpoint was PFS by independent review committee assessment. Data reported here are from the final prespecified statistical analysis of PFS (median follow-up ~15 months). Bone marrow aspirate samples were collected at screening for tumor gene expression analysis. Whole transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) of bone marrow-sorted CD138+ cells was performed using the Illumina Truseq protocol on the Illumina HiSeq platform; this generated a median of 50 million paired-end reads (100 bp length) per sample. c-MYC expression was evaluated by treatment arm and according to number of prior therapies (1 vs 2-3). PFS was analyzed in subgroups dichotomized according to median c-MYC expression (c-MYC-high/c-MYC-low). Results RNAseq data were available for 59% (427/722) of enrolled pts; 213 (50%) had high and 219 (50%) had low c-MYC expression (dichotomized according to the median). Impact of c-MYC expression (high vs low) on PFS, irrespective of treatment arm, was not significant (p=0.98). However, a significant treatment effect of IRd vs placebo-Rd was only seen in pts with high c-MYC expression (interaction p=0.024); in these pts (IRd: n=109; placebo-Rd: n=104) a significant PFS benefit was seen with IRd (HR 0.41; 95% CI: 0.26-0.65, p=0.00011). Impact of c-MYC expression was then analyzed by number of prior therapies. In the overall TOURMALINE-MM1 population, per stratification, 212/213 pts in the IRd/placebo-Rd arms had 1 prior therapy, and 148/149 had 2-3 prior therapies. After median follow-up of ~15 months, median PFS in pts with 1 prior therapy was 20.6 vs 16.6 months with IRd vs placebo-Rd (HR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.65-1.20), and in pts with 2-3 prior therapies was not reached vs 12.9 months (HR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40-0.84, p=0.0033). The level of c-MYC expression was shown to be significantly higher in pts with 2-3 prior therapies vs 1 prior therapy, with median expression of 6.94 (SD=1.71, n=177) vs 6.52 (SD=1.74, n=250) (log2 scale), t-test p-value 0.0153. In pts with 1 prior therapy, no differences in PFS were observed between pts with low c-MYC expression (HR 1; 95% CI: 0.59-1.8, p=0.934), while a prolonged PFS benefit was observed in pts with high c-MYC expression (HR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26-0.88, p=0.0146) (Figure, A and B). In pts with 2-3 prior therapies, both the c-MYC-high and c-MYC-low pts showed improved PFS with IRd vs placebo-Rd; the difference in PFS was statistically significant only in c-MYC-high pts (HR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.72, p=0.00269) (Figure, C and D). Conclusions In TOURMALINE-MM1, c-MYC expression was higher in MM tumor samples from pts with 2-3 vs 1 prior therapies. The IRd regimen was active in c-MYC-high and c-MYC-low pts, but its impact on PFS vs placebo-Rd was greater in c-MYC-high pts, thus providing a potential explanation for the enhanced PFS benefit with IRd vs placebo-Rd in pts with 2-3 prior therapies. The PFS benefit with IRd in c-MYC-low pts with 2-3 prior lines suggests that, in advanced MM, further genomic alterations may also be contributing to ixazomib sensitivity. Disclosures Di Bacco: Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Bahlis:BMS: Honoraria; Onyx: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Avet-Loiseau:Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Speakers Bureau. Masszi:Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ganly:Medipics: Equity Ownership; Novartis: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Cavo:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Langer:Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Kumar:Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Kesios: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Lin:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Li:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Badola:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Shen:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Zhang:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Wang:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Esseltine:Takeda: Equity Ownership; Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment; Johnson and Johnson: Equity Ownership. Luptakova:Takeda Oncology: Employment. van de Velde:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Richardson:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Moreau:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria.

Abstract Background Ixazomib, the first oral proteasome inhibitor (PI), is approved by the US FDA, in combination with lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd), for the treatment of pts who have received at least 1 prior therapy. Lenalidomide is a common partner agent in regimens for RRMM; however, due to increasing use of lenalidomide treatment to progression as a standard of care in the first-line setting, novel PI-based combinations without lenalidomide are needed for RRMM. Combinations of a PI, an alkylating agent, and dexamethasone have been shown to be active, with manageable side effects, in RRMM patients (e.g. VCD - bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone), but require SC or IV administration of the PI. The all-oral combination of ICd may offer activity, tolerability, and more convenient administration. This open-label, multicenter phase 2 study (NCT02046070) assessed the safety and efficacy of ICd in pts with RRMM. Methods Adult pts with RRMM after 1-3 prior lines of therapy, who had ECOG performance status 0-2, were not PI-refractory, had adequate hematologic, renal, cardiac, and hepatic function, and did not have grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy (PN) or grade 1 PN with pain, were eligible. Pts received oral ixazomib 4.0 mg and oral cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15, plus oral dexamethasone 40 mg (20 mg for pts aged >75 yrs) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR; ≥partial response [PR]); secondary endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), complete response (CR) plus very good PR (VGPR) rate, CR rate, time to response (TTR), duration of response (DOR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results 78 pts were enrolled; median age was 64 yrs (40% aged >65 yrs), 53% were male, median time from initial diagnosis was 53.4 months (range, 12.9-142.7), and 24%/27% had ISS stage II/III disease at diagnosis. Median number of prior therapies was 2, including prior bortezomib, lenalidomide, and stem cell transplant (SCT) in 45 (58%), 38 (49%), and 50 (64%) pts, respectively; 17% were immunomodulatory-drug-naive. At data cut-off (June 20, 2016), pts had received a median of 12 treatment cycles (range, 1-22). A total of 51 (65%) pts had discontinued treatment, primarily due to disease progression (26 pts, 33%) and AEs (13 pts, 17%). Overall, 92% of pts reported AEs, including 59% with grade ≥3 AEs (51%/71% in pts aged ≤65/>65 yrs), and 29% with serious AEs (30%/29%). Common AEs are listed in Table 1. AEs resulted in dose reductions of any study drug in 28 (36%) pts (28%/48% of pts aged ≤65/>65 yrs) and treatment discontinuation in 11 (14%) pts (15%/13% aged ≤65/>65 yrs). Ixazomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone were dose modified in 83%, 85%, and 87% of pts, respectively. Median ixazomib relative dose intensity was 96%. There were 3 on-study deaths: cardiac arrest, severe pulmonary edema, and cerebral hemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia, with the latter considered treatment-related. PK data showed that ixazomib exposures were comparable to those in pts treated with IRd in the TOURMALINE-MM1 study, suggesting no PK interaction with Cd. ORR was 49%, including 16% CR+VGPR (Table 2); in pts with/without prior SCT, ORR was 41%/61% (15%/18% CR+VGPR). Median TTR in responding pts was 2.14 months; median DOR was not reached, with response durations of up to 17 months. After a median follow-up of 12.5 months, median PFS was not reached; 12-month PFS rate estimate was 57.5%. Subgroup analysis showed a higher ORR (68% vs 35%), a higher CR+VGPR rate (23% vs 12%), and a significant PFS improvement in pts aged >65 yrs vs pts aged ≤65 yrs (12-month PFS rate estimate 67.2% vs 50.7%; HR=0.43, p=0.028) (Figure). Although pts aged >65 yrs were less likely to have had prior SCT than those aged ≤65 yrs (22% vs 78%), this did not appear to account fully for the difference in outcomes (PFS in pts without vs with prior SCT, HR=0.82, p=0.6). Conclusions All-oral triplet therapy with ICd appears to have activity in RRMM pts, with a toxicity profile consistent with that seen with ixazomib in combination with Rd (Moreau, et al; N Engl J Med 2016). Preliminary best response and PFS data suggest there may be preferential benefit in elderly pts compared to younger patients (possibly related in part to more limited use of prior high-dose alkylator [melphalan] exposure associated with SCT in elderly pts) albeit with additional toxicity. Disclosures Kumar: Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding. Grzasko:Celgene: Honoraria; Munipharma: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Jędrzejczak:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Angelini: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Sandoz: Consultancy. Kyrtsonis:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genesis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gupta:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Teng:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment; AMAG Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership; Gilead Science: Equity Ownership; Array: Equity Ownership. Byrne:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Labotka:Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Dimopoulos:Genesis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Background: Isatuximab (ISA) is an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody with multiple modes of action for killing tumor cells through immune cell engagement and direct tumor targeting. In preclinical studies, pomalidomide (Pom) enhanced both the direct and indirect anti-tumor activity of ISA to a greater degree than lenalidomide (Len) (Jiang et al. Leukemia 2016). Here, we report the preliminary results of an ongoing Phase Ib dose-escalation study of ISA plus Pom and dexamethasone (Dex) in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) (NCT02283775). Methods: Patients with RRMM (≥2 prior MM therapies, including Len and a proteasome inhibitor) with adequate bone marrow reserve/organ function were sequentially enrolled to receive ISA 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (weekly × 4 doses, then every 2 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity) in combination with Pom 4 mg (days 1-21) and Dex 40 mg (days 1, 8, 15, and 22; 20 mg if ≥75 years old), in 28-day cycles. Pom or Dex dose reductions were permitted after Cycle 1, or during Cycle 1 in response to dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended dose, based on the occurrence of treatment-related DLTs. Secondary objectives included evaluation of efficacy (by objective response assessment according to IMWG criteria), safety, and pharmacokinetics (PK). Results: At data cut-off (May 11, 2016), 14 patients had been treated in the first 2 dose-escalation cohorts: 8 patients at 5 mg/kg and 6 patients at 10 mg/kg. Overall, median age was 65.5 (range, 42-77) years and median time from diagnosis was 4.25 (1.0-12.5) years. Half of the patients (7/14) had received at least 5 prior regimens (median 4.5 [2-11]; prior carfilzomib in 50% of patients). Ten patients (71%) had received at least one prior stem cell transplant. Median duration of dosing was 21.2 (4-42) and 8.1 (4-12) weeks in the 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg cohorts, respectively, with the latter cohort also having the shortest follow-up. Three patients discontinued treatment, all in the 5 mg/kg cohort: 2 due to confirmed disease progression (discontinuation after 2 and 4 treatment cycles, respectively) and 1 due to patient withdrawal (discontinuation in Cycle 1 and patient not evaluable for response). There were no discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in either cohort. Two DLTs were reported: one in the 5 mg/kg cohort (prolonged grade [Gr] 4 neutropenia), and the other in the 10 mg/kg cohort (Gr 4 neutropenic infection); both DLTs resolved with Pom dose delay/reduction. MTD has not yet been reached; the 20 mg/kg dose level is under enrollment. Overall, Gr 3/4 TEAEs were reported in 10 (71%) patients; serious TEAEs in 6 (43%) patients. The most frequent TEAEs were fatigue (64%), upper respiratory tract infection, tremor, dyspnea, and cough (29% each). The most common Gr 3/4 hematologic abnormality (laboratory assessment) was neutropenia (Gr 1, 0%; Gr 2, 7%; Gr 3, 43%; Gr 4, 43%). Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia was reported in 4 (29%) patients (Gr 3, n=2; Gr 4, n=2). Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) occurred in 8 (57%) patients, with all cases Gr 1/2 in severity. IARs occurred during the first infusion in most patients; 3/14 (21%) patients experienced IARs at a subsequent infusion, of whom only one had IARs after Cycle 1. Of the patients evaluable for confirmed response, 8/13 (62%) achieved at least partial response (PR), and 10/13 (77%) at least minimal response (MR). At 5 mg/kg, 1 patient achieved complete response (CR), 2 very good partial response (VGPR) and 2 PR. At 10 mg/kg, 2 patients achieved VGPR, 1 PR, and 2 MR. Of the eight patients who achieved at least PR, all continued to respond without confirmed disease progression at data cut-off. The PK parameters of ISA were not affected by co-administration with Pom/Dex. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that the combination of ISA and Pom/Dex is generally well tolerated and clinically active in patients with heavily pre-treated RRMM. Enrollment continues and longer term follow-up from this study, including data from the 20 mg/kg cohort, will be presented. A Phase III trial to evaluate ISA plus Pom/Dex is planned. Disclosures Richardson: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mikhael:Sanofi: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Usmani:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Skyline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Britsol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Array: Research Funding; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Raje:Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding. Bensinger:Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding. Campana:Sanofi: Employment. Gao:Sanofi: Employment. Dubin:Sanofi Oncology: Employment. Wack:Sanofi: Employment. Anderson:Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). However, approximately 50% of pts experience relapse of HL after auto-SCT and this population represents a pronounced unmet need. In a 756-pt retrospective analysis, the median overall survival (OS) in HL pts who relapsed after auto-SCT was 2.4 years, as measured from the time of auto-SCT, with shorter time to relapse after auto-SCT being the most predictive factor for shortened survival (Arai 2013). Brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS®) comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a microtubule-disrupting agent. A pivotal phase 2 study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin in 102 pts with relapsed or refractory HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Data representing approximately 3 years of follow up from this ongoing trial are described, including characterization of patients who experienced long-term remissions. Methods Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin every 3 weeks as a 30-minute outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Long-term follow-up assessments to determine survival and disease status occurred every 3 months (mos) for 2 years, every 6 mos during years 3 to 5, and annually thereafter. Results In this high-risk population with poor prognosis, the median time to relapse after auto-SCT was 6.7 mos (range, 0–131 mos). Pts received a median of 9 cycles of brentuximab vedotin and the ORR was 75% (76 of 102 pts), with complete remissions (CRs) in 33% of pts (n=34). As previously reported, the most common (≥15%) brentuximab vedotin-related adverse events of any grade were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At the time of this analysis (May 2013), the median observation time from first dose was 32.7 mos (range, 1.8 to 48.3 mos). Of the 102 pts enrolled, 51 (50%) were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, – [range, 1.8 to 48.3+ mos]) and the estimated 36-mo survival rate was 54% (95% CI: 44%, 64%). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not yet reached; partial remission (PR, n=42): 31.6 mos; stable disease (SD, n=22): 20.6 mos; and progressive disease (PD, n=3): 10.2 mos. Of the 51 pts who were alive at the time of this analysis, 14 remain in remission and have not started a new anti-cancer therapy other than 5 pts who received consolidative allo-SCT following brentuximab vedotin. Demographics/baseline characteristics of these 14 pts show that the majority are female (10/14; 71%) and white (12/14; 86%), with a median age of 26.5 years (range, 15–54). Eleven of the 14 pts had CRs and 3 had PRs following brentuximab vedotin; all 3 of the pts with PRs received subsequent allo-SCT. The observation time for the 14 pts who remain in remission ranges from 31.5 mos to 44.4 mos and their progression-free survival ranges from 27.2+ mos to 44.4+ mos. Additional characterization of the pts who achieved long-term remissions following brentuximab vedotin will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions After a median observation time of approximately 3 years from first dose of brentuximab vedotin, 50% of pts with relapsed or refractory HL were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos. Fourteen patients remain in follow up with no evidence of lymphoma progression, providing early suggestion that a fraction of these patients may be cured. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) for frontline treatment of HL (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Disclosures: Gopal: Biogen, Idec: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Cephalon/Teva: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding. Chen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Trave expenses Other. Smith:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy; Cephalon: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmith Kline: Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; University of Miami: Employment. Savage:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Connors:F Hoffmann-La Roche: Research Funding; Roche Canada: Research Funding. Engert:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria. Larsen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Cambridge US: Employment; Takeda: Equity Ownership. Sievers:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Advisory/Scientific Board Membership Other, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Curis: Honoraria; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Systemic AL amyloidosis is a life-threatening disease with limited treatment options. Response criteria have been recently updated and retrospectively validated (Palladini et al, J Clin Oncol 2012). Hematologic response (suppression of FLCs) has been shown to predict for both organ response and survival (ibid). Preliminary results from the present phase 1 study (NCT01318902) regarding the safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ixazomib (the first oral PI to be investigated in the clinic) in RRAL were reported previously (Merlini et al, ASH 2012). At that time, 11 pts had received the MTD/RP3D of ixazomib - 4.0 mg. Here we update the safety data (primary objective) and report hematologic and organ responses, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) (secondary objectives) for the extended population of 22 pts receiving the RP3D. Methods Pts with RRAL after ≥1 prior therapy and with measureable heart/kidney involvement and cardiac biomarker stage I/II disease were eligible. Two expansion cohorts (PI-naïve and PI-exposed) were enrolled at the RP3D. Pts received oral ixazomib on days 1, 8, and 15 for up to 12 x 28-day cycles; continuation until disease progression was allowed. Pts with less than partial response (PR) after 3 cycles received added dexamethasone (Dex) 40 mg, days 1–4 from cycle 4 onwards. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v4.03. Responses were assessed per standard criteria (Palladini et al, J Clin Oncol 2012). Results At data cut-off (Dec 6, 2013), 27 pts had been enrolled, 22 at the RP3D of ixazomib 4.0 mg; the other 5 pts were enrolled at 5.5 mg and are not included in these analyses. In pts who received ixazomib 4.0 mg, median age was 64.5 yrs (range 54–78); 13 were male. Mayo cardiac biomarker risk stage was I/II/III in 11/10/1 pts, respectively. Median baseline FLC differential (dFLC) and NT-proBNP were 146 mg/L (range 40–734) and 849 pg/mL (range 51–5691). Major organ involvement included heart, kidney, or both in 9, 8, and 5 pts, with a median of 2 (range 1–6) organ systems involved. Pts had received a median of 3 prior therapies, including transplantation in 16 pts; 16 pts had received prior bortezomib (PI exposed) and 6 were PI naïve. Other prior therapies included melphalan (n=21), Dex (n=16), IMiDs (n=11), and cyclophosphamide (n=10). Best hematologic response to prior therapy was complete response (CR) in 3 pts, very good PR (VGPR) in 4, PR in 14, and stable disease (SD) in 1 pt; organ response was achieved by 5 pts, with 12 pts having no response. Exposure and outcome data by prior PI exposure are shown in the table. Pts discontinued due to disease progression (n=6), pt withdrawal, symptomatic deterioration (each n=3), or unsatisfactory response (n=2); 5 pts completed 12 cycles; 3 pts are ongoing. Overall hematologic response rate (ORR) was 52%. After a median follow-up of 16.9 mos, the 9 pts who achieved ≥VGPR, had a median PFS of 17.0 mos compared with 10.7 mos in pts who achieved a lesser response (p=0.03). Cardiac/renal response was observed in 50%/18% of pts (all ≥VGPR). The most common drug-related AEs included diarrhea, nausea (each n=7), fatigue, thrombocytopenia (each n=6), peripheral neuropathy, and pyrexia (each n=4). Drug-related grade 3 AEs (>1 pt) were thrombocytopenia (n=3), diarrhea, and maculo-papular rash (each n=2). Table.PI naïven=6PI exposed n=16TotalN=22Cycles received, median (range)12 (1–22)3.5 (1–16)5.5 (1–22)Dex added, n358Hematologic response-evaluable ptsn=5n=16N=21Response, n (%)ORR5 (100)6 (38)11 (52)CR2 (40)02 (10)VGPR3 (60)4 (25)7 (33)PR02 (13)2 (10)SD09 (56)9 (43)Cardiac response/heart evaluable, n/N (%)3/4 (75)3/8 (38)6/12 (50)Renal response/kidney evaluable, n/N (%)1/3 (33)1/8 (13)2/11 (18)1 yr hematologic PFS rate, %8341602 yr OS rate, %835157 Conclusions This is one of the first studies prospectively assessing hematologic and organ response according to the updated consensus criteria. These data suggest weekly oral ixazomib 4.0 mg is feasible and generally well tolerated in RRAL pts with vital organ dysfunction. High quality hematologic responses (≥VGPR) were observed in 43% of pts; these responses were sustained at 1 yr in 60% of this heavily-pretreated population. Achieving ≥VGPR was associated with cardiac response and extended PFS. These results warrant a phase 3 study of ixazomib plus Dex vs physician's choice of treatment, which is ongoing (NCT01659658). Disclosures Merlini: Pfizer: Honoraria; Millennium: the Takeda Oncology Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in the treatment of relapsed or refractory light-chain amyloidosis. Sanchorawala:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium: the Takeda Oncology Company: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Jeffrey:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kukreti:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Schoenland:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Jaccard:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria. Dispenzieri:Millennium: the Takeda Oncology Company: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Cohen:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other, Research Funding; Janssen: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Celgene: Member, Independent Response Adjudication Committee Other. Berg:Takeda Pharmaceutical International Co.: Employment. Yuan:Takeda Pharmaceutical International Co.: Employment. Hui:Takeda Pharmaceutical International Co.: Employment. Comenzo:Millennium:the Takeda Oncology Company: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Teva: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Abstract Background: Treatment of elderly AML patients considered unfit for conventional chemotherapy is inadequate and hypomethylating agents are commonly used alternatives. In the case of azacitidine, responses are typically seen after 3–6 cycles of therapy, and a recent large randomized trial in elderly unfit patients reported a complete response (CR)/CR with incomplete blood count recovery rate of 28% (Dombret et al, EHA 2014). Pevonedistat (MLN4924) is an investigational, first-in-class NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor. A phase 1 trial previously reported pevonedistat single-agent clinical activity in relapsed/refractory AML patients. Preclinical studies of pevonedistat and azacitidine identified synergistic lethality in AML cell lines and murine xenografts. The current phase 1b dose-escalation study evaluated the safety and tolerability of pevonedistat combined with azacitidine in elderly AML patients considered unfit for conventional chemotherapy. Methods: The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of pevonedistat combined with azacitidine. Secondary objectives included assessment of pevonedistat pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical activity. Treatment-naïve AML patients aged ≥60 years who were considered unfit for standard induction therapy received pevonedistat via 1-hour IV infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 of 28-day cycles. Dose escalation began at 20 mg/m2 and used an adaptive Bayesian continual reassessment method. Azacitidine 75 mg/m2 was administered (IV or SC) on days 1–5 and 8–9. Patients were treated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Adverse events (AEs) were graded per NCI-CTCAE v4.03. Responses were assessed according to International Working Group response criteria for AML. Serial blood samples were obtained for PK analysis following dosing on days 1 and 5 of cycle 1. Results: As of May 30, 2014, 25 patients (median age 75.0 years [range 63–85]; 16 [64%] male) had received pevonedistat 20 mg/m2 (n=22) and 30 mg/m2 (n=3). Primary diagnoses were 16 (64%) de novo AML and 9 (36%) secondary AML. Fourteen (56%) patients had intermediate- and 6 (24%) had adverse-risk cytogenetics (5 [20%] undetermined). During dose escalation, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at the 30 mg/m2 pevonedistat dose level included reversible grade 2 increased bilirubin (n=1) and grade 3/4 increased transaminases (n=1) without clinical sequelae. In 1 of the 22 patients treated at the maximum tolerated dose (20 mg/m2 pevonedistat plus 75 mg/m2 IV/SC azacitidine), 1 additional DLT (grade 4 AST/ALT elevation) was seen in the expansion cohort. This patient was successfully re-challenged with a reduced pevonedistat dose. The most common all-grade AEs are shown in table 1. Twelve (48%) patients experienced drug-related grade ≥3 AEs (table 1). The nature and frequency of the reported toxicities (excluding DLTs) were similar to previous reports for azacitidine alone. Preliminary PK data showed that addition of azacitidine did not alter the known PK profile of single-agent pevonedistat. In the 18 response-evaluable patients, there were 6 (33%) CRs and 4 (22%) PRs (table 2), for an overall response rate of 56%. Nine of the 10 responses occurred within the first two cycles of therapy and included 1 patient with bone marrow blasts >80%. Conclusions: Combination therapy with pevonedistat and azacitidine was generally well-tolerated. The characteristics of the observed responses suggest added benefit from the addition of pevonedistat compared with azacitidine alone. Table 1 Common all-grade AEs n (%) Most frequent (≥10%) drug-related grade ≥3 AEs n (%) Febrile neutropenia 9 (36) Febrile neutropenia 4 (16) Constipation 8 (32) Thrombocytopenia 3 (12) Decreased appetite 7 (28) – – Thrombocytopenia 7 (28) – – Table 2 Responders* Tumor Type Cytogenetic Risk Group Current Status Response Molecular CR 1st Response 1st CR 1 De novo AML Adverse C12 C4 – – 2 Undetermined C4† C1 C1 Y 3 Adverse C9 C1 C1 Y 4 Undetermined C5‡ C1 C2 Y 5 Intermediate C5† C1 C2 N 6 Intermediate C7 C1 C4 Y 7 Intermediate C2 C2 – – 8 Secondary AML Undetermined C4 C2 C2 – 9 Normal C4 C1 – – 10 De novo AML – C1 C1 – – Molecular CR, complete remission confirmed by molecular studies *All received 20 mg/m2 pevonedistat except #4, who started on 30 mg/m2 and had a dose reduction to 20 mg/m2. †Patient off study ‡Patient off treatment and in follow-up Disclosures Swords: Novartis: Consultancy; KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company: Consultancy. Savona:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Erba:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Foran:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding. Hua:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment. Faessel:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dash:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment. Sedarati:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment. Dezube:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment. Medeiros:Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 731 Background: Treatment with bortezomib achieves high hematologic response rates and rapid and durable responses in AL patients (pts), providing the rationale for proteasome inhibition in this population. MLN9708 is an investigational, oral, potent, reversible, and specific 20S proteasome inhibitor (PI). In preclinical studies, MLN9708 has shown improved antitumor activity compared to bortezomib in a range of xenograft models. This phase 1 study (NCT01318902) assessed weekly doses of oral MLN9708 in pts with relapsed or refractory AL. Methods: Pts aged ≥18 years with relapsed or refractory AL after ≥1 prior therapy, cardiac biomarker stage I/II disease, and measurable major organ (heart/kidney) involvement, received increasing doses of oral MLN9708 (standard 3+3 dose escalation fixed doses of 4.0 and 5.5 mg), on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles. Pts with no major hematologic response (<PR) after 3 cycles received dexamethasone (dex; 40 mg, days 1–4). Two expansion cohorts of PI-naïve and PI-exposed pts were enrolled at the MTD. The primary objectives were to determine the safety, tolerability, and MTD. Secondary objectives included analysis of plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) and whole blood pharmacodynamic effects of MLN9708, and assessment of overall hematologic response rate, time to and duration of hematologic and organ response. Adverse events (AEs) were graded using NCI-CTCAE version 4.03. Blood samples were collected at multiple timepoints pre- and post-MLN9708 dosing for PK analysis during cycle 1. Hematologic response and amyloid-related organ assessments were performed according to standardized criteria. Results: At data cut-off (June 29, 2012) 16 pts had been enrolled and received ≥1 MLN9708 dose (safety population). The median age was 66.5 years (range 54–78) and 7 were male. Median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 1–7); 10 received prior transplant, 7 received prior bortezomib. Major organ involvement, defined by standard criteria, included heart, kidney, or both in 7/5/4 pts, respectively, with a median of 2 (range 1–5) involved organ systems, and Mayo cardiac biomarker risk stage was I, II, III in 6, 9, 1 pts. Five pts were treated in the 5.5 mg cohort and 11 pts were treated in the 4.0 mg (n=6 dose escalation; n=5 dose expansion) cohorts. Of the 11 pts treated at 4.0 mg, 4 were PI-naïve, 7 were PI-exposed. Pts received a median of 3 cycles (range 1–12); 5 pts received ≥5 cycles, and 8 pts remain on treatment. Dex was added in 4 pts (2 in each MLN9708 dose level). There were no on-study deaths. Pts discontinued due to disease progression (n=5), AE, withdrawal by pt, or unsatisfactory response (each n=1); 2 pts completed planned 1 year of therapy. One pt in the 4.0 mg cohort experienced a DLT of grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Two pts in the 5.5 mg dose cohort experienced DLTs: grade 3 diarrhea in 1 pt, and renal failure, respiratory failure (both grade 2), and cardiac arrest (grade 4) in another pt. The MTD was determined as 4.0 mg. AEs were reported in 14 pts. The most common drug-related AEs included nausea (n=5), diarrhea and thrombocytopenia (each n=4), abdominal pain and fatigue (each n=3). Grade ≥3 AEs (any cause) reported in >1 pt were thrombocytopenia (n=4), dyspnea (n=3), maculo-papular rash, dehydration, and abdominal pain (each n=2); all were grade 3. Preliminary response data are shown in the table. At data cut-off, one responder had progressed, and the median duration of hematologic response was 7.4 months (range 1.3–11.5+); 2 pts had cardiac organ response. Preliminary PK data showed that MLN9708 was rapidly absorbed, with a median Tmax of 1 hr (range 0.5–6). MLN9708 day 15 plasma Cmax was 73.6 ± 40.2 ng/mL (mean ± SD) and AUC0–168was 1250 ±530 ng*hr/mL (n=8 at 4.0 mg dose cohort). MLN9708 PK parameter values in this study appear similar to other MLN9708 studies in myeloma pts. Conclusions: These data suggest weekly oral administration of MLN9708 is feasible in pts with relapsed or refractory AL. The MLN9708 MTD was determined as 4.0 mg. Assessment is ongoing, with preliminary evidence of hematologic responses noted. A phase 3 study of MLN9708 plus dex versus physician's choice of treatment is planned (NCT01659658). Disclosures: Merlini: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent MLN9708, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in the treatment of relapsed or refractory light-chain amyloidosis. Sanchorawala:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Zonder:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kukreti:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Schonland:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria. Dispenzieri:Janssen Research & Development: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Cohen:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Liu:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Di Bacco:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Gupta:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hui:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Comenzo:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

INTRODUCTION: Histologic remission is associated with superior long-term clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC). VARSITY, the first head-to-head comparison of biologic agents in UC (NCT02497469; EudraCT 2015-000939-33), showed superior clinical remission and endoscopic improvement at Week 52 with vedolizumab (VDZ), a gut-selective, humanized, α 4 β 7 integrin monoclonal antibody, vs adalimumab (ADA), a systemic, human, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibody. 1 Both VDZ and ADA were generally safe and well-tolerated. 1 This analysis compared histologic improvements with VDZ vs ADA in VARSITY. METHODS: Patients with moderately to severely active UC were randomized 1:1 to active VDZ intravenous (IV) infusions (300 mg)/placebo subcutaneous (SC) injections or placebo IV/active ADA SC (160/80/40 mg). Prespecified histologic exploratory endpoints included histologic remission (Geboes score < 2 or Robarts Histopathology Index [RHI] score < 3) and minimal histologic disease activity (Geboes score < 3.2 or RHI score < 5) at Week 14 and Week 52. Histologic remission was also assessed based on previous anti-TNF use. RESULTS: A total of 769 patients received ≥1 dose of VDZ (n = 383) or ADA (n = 386). Median (range) duration of exposure was 477 (127, 630) days for VDZ and 420 (71, 454) days for ADA. Mean (standard deviation) baseline histologic disease activity was similar between groups (Geboes: VDZ, 15.0 [4.92]; ADA, 15.1 [5.03]; RHI: VDZ, 19.5 [8.74]; ADA, 19.6 [8.89]). Histologic remission induced by VDZ at Week 52 was greater than with ADA in the overall (Geboes or RHI), anti-TNF naïve (Geboes or RHI), and anti-TNF failure (RHI only) groups (Table 1). Histologic remission at Week 14 favored VDZ over ADA, with larger differentiation when using RHI (Table 1). VDZ also outperformed ADA in achieving minimal histologic disease activity at Weeks 14 and 52 (Table 1). CONCLUSION: VARSITY showed that use of VDZ, compared with ADA, achieved higher rates of histologic remission and minimal histologic disease activity at Weeks 14 and 52 in patients with moderately to severely active UC. These data support the use of VDZ over ADA in UC.

INTRODUCTION: VARSITY is the first head-to-head trial comparing the efficacy and safety of 2 biologic therapies, vedolizumab (VDZ) and adalimumab (ADA), in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). We previously reported significantly higher rates of clinical remission (31.3% vs 22.5%; P = 0.0061) and endoscopic improvement (39.7% vs 27.7%; P = 0.0005) at Week (Wk) 52 with VDZ vs ADA. 1 METHODS: VARSITY was a phase 3b, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled study (NCT02497469; EudraCT 2015-000939-33). Here we report the predefined, exploratory endpoints of early clinical response and clinical remission (defined in the Table 1) within the first 14 wks, as well as durable clinical remission (patients in clinical remission at Wk 14 and Wk 52). RESULTS: A total of 769 patients received ≥1 dose of VDZ (n = 383) or ADA (n = 386). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. A trend for separation in clinical response started to emerge at Wk 6 favoring VDZ vs ADA. Clinical response at Wk 14 favored VDZ vs ADA (257 [67.1%] vs 177 [45.9%]; treatment difference 21.2%). More patients achieved clinical remission at Wk 14 on VDZ vs ADA (102 [26.6%] vs 82 [21.2%]; treatment difference 5.3%). Patients on VDZ achieved higher rates of durable clinical remission (70 [18.3%] vs 46 [11.9%]); laboratory results correlated with these findings. Post hoc analyses showed a larger mean (standard deviation) change of C-reactive protein (CRP) from baseline to Wk 14 (−32.88 [155.77] nmol/L VDZ vs −3.35 [260.81] nmol/L ADA) and to Wk 52 (−50.87 [174.76] nmol/L VDZ vs −37.21 [169.17] nmol/L ADA) in favor of VDZ. Greater mean declines in fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels were seen in patients on VDZ compared with ADA (Wk 14: −1,551.3 [6,236.70] mg/kg VDZ vs −1,167.6 [4,647.67] mg/kg ADA; Wk 52: −2,187.3 [7,440.42] mg/kg VDZ vs −1,846.6 [4,560.55] mg/kg ADA). CONCLUSION: Patients on VDZ had numerically higher rates of both clinical response and clinical remission by Wk 14 compared with ADA. Patients on VDZ also achieved higher rates of durable clinical remission compared with ADA. CRP and FCP results correlated with these findings. These data on early clinical response and clinical remission, as well as durable remission, further support the use of VDZ over ADA in patients with moderately to severely active UC.