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Seattle Genetics Highlights Five-Year Survival Results from Phase 1 Trial of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Frontline Mature T-Cell Lymphoma at ASH Annual Meeting
[December 10, 2017]

Seattle Genetics Highlights Five-Year Survival Results from Phase 1 Trial of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Frontline Mature T-Cell Lymphoma at ASH Annual Meeting


Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today highlighted final five-year survival results from a phase 1 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in mature T-cell lymphoma (MTCL) at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, December 9-12, 2017. The presentation highlighted durability data from a phase 1 clinical trial of ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed MTCL, also known as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC (News - Alert)) directed to CD30, which is expressed on the surface of Hodgkin lymphoma cells and several types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ADCETRIS is currently not approved for the frontline treatment of MTCL.

"Approximately 4,000 patients are diagnosed with MTCL each year. The current standard of care for frontline MTCL treatment has not changed for several decades and there remains a significant need for improved therapeutic options. The results of this phase 1 trial support the ongoing phase 3 ECHELON-2 clinical trial and our goal to redefine frontline MTCL treatment with a novel ADCETRIS combination regimen," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Seattle Genetics. "The final results from the phase 1 study were presented today, with five-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates of 52 and 80 percent, respectively. No patients have experienced any disease progression events since the three-year follow-up results. Importantly, after more than five years of follow-up, patients who remain in remission have the potential to be cured. These data continue to support the phase 3 ECHELON-2 trial, from which we anticipate reporting data in 2018."

Five-Year Survival Results: Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with CHP in Patients with CD30-Expressing Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (Abstract #2790, poster presentation on Sunday, December 10, 2017)

Data were reported from 26 frontline MTCL patients who received the combination regimen of ADCETRIS plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (CHP). Patients who achieved at least a partial remission with combination therapy following six cycles of ADCETRIS plus CHP were eligible to receive up to ten additional cycles of single-agent ADCETRIS treatment. The median age of patients was 56 years. Nineteen patients (73 percent) had a subtype of MTCL called systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), including 16 patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative disease, which is typically associated with a poor prognosis. Seven patients (27 percent) had a diagnosis of other types of MTCL. The majority of patients had advanced stage disease and were considered high risk. All patients on the trial achieved an objective response, including 92 percent with a complete response and eight percent with a partial response.

Updated key findings based on a median observation time of 60 months from first dose of therapy include:

  • At five-year follow-up, there have been no progression events or deaths in this trial since the three-year follow up.
  • The estimated five-year progression-free survival rate was 52 percent, with no patients receiving a consolidative stem cell transplant in first remission. The median progression-free survival has not yet been reached.
  • The estimated five-year overall survival rate was 80 percent. The median overall survival has not yet been reached.
  • Seventy-three percent of patients (19 of 26) experienced peripheral neuropathy, the majority of which was Grade 1 or 2. Ninety-five percent of these patients had complete resolution or some improvement of their symptoms at last follow-up with a median time to resolution of 4.2 months and median time to improvement of symptoms was 2.6 months.

A global phase 3 study called ECHELON-2 completed enrollment in November 2016. The ECHELON-2 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial designed to investigate ADCETRIS plus CHP versus CHOP as frontline therapy in patients with CD30-expressing MTCL. The trial enrolled 452 patients (approximately 225 patients per treatment arm) randomized to receive ADCETRIS plus CHP or CHOP every three weeks for six to eight cycles. Data from the ECHELON-2 trial are expected in 2018.

About T-Cell Lymphomas

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are broadly divided into two major groups: B-cell lymphomas, which develop from abnormal B-lymphocytes, and T-cell lymphomas, which develop from abnormal T-lymphocytes. T-cell lymphomas account for approximately 15 percent of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States. There are many different forms of T-cell lymphomas, some of which are extremely rare. T-cell lymphomas can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing). Almost all types of T-cell lymphoma fall under the category of mature T-cell lymphoma, also known as peripheral T-cell lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society and analysis of literature sources, approximately 4,300 patients will be diagnosed with CD30-expressing mature T-cell lymphoma in the United States during 2017.

About ADCETRIS

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials, including three phase 3 studies: the completed ECHELON-1 trial in frontline classical Hodgkin lymphoma that supported the recent FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and submission of the supplemental Biologics License Application (BLA) for use in this setting, the ongoing ECHELON-2 trial in frontline mature T-cell lymphomas, and the ongoing CHECKMATE 812 trial of ADCETRIS in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

ADCETRIS is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics' proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

<> ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for four indications: (1) regular approval for adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy, (2) regular approval for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (3) regular approval for the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients at high risk of relapse or progression as post-auto-HSCT consolidation, and (4) accelerated approval for the treatment of patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The sALCL indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for the sALCL indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.



Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-ASCT consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression.

ADCETRIS was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission in October 2012 for two indications: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, and (2) the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL. The European Commission extended the current conditional marketing authorization of ADCETRIS and approved ADCETRIS for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT.


ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in 69 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See important safety information below.

Seattle Genetics and Takeda are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is an innovative biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer through novel antibody-based therapies. The company's industry-leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology harnesses the targeting ability of antibodies to deliver cell-killing agents directly to cancer cells. Seattle Genetics commercializes ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) for the treatment of several types of CD30-expressing lymphomas. The company is also advancing a robust pipeline of novel therapies for solid tumors and blood-related cancers designed to address significant unmet medical needs and improve treatment outcomes for patients. More information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com and follow @SeattleGenetics on Twitter (News - Alert).

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML)

JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

Contraindication

ADCETRIS concomitant with bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

Warnings and Precautions

  • Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Institute dose modifications accordingly.
  • Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.
  • Hematologic toxicities: Prolonged (=1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS. Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Consider more frequent monitoring for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.
  • Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
  • Tumor lysis syndrome: Closely monitor patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden.
  • Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of =Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
  • Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of =Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
  • Hepatotoxicity: Serious cases, including fatal outcomes, have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.
  • PML: JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS therapy, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. Other possible contributory factors other than ADCETRIS include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.
  • Pulmonary toxicity: Noninfectious pulmonary toxicity events including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, some with fatal outcomes, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.
  • Serious dermatologic reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), including fatal outcomes, have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Acute pancreatitis, including fatal outcomes, has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Other fatal and serious GI complications, including perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Lymphoma with preexisting GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.
  • Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus, and to avoid pregnancy during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.

Most Common (=20%) Adverse Reactions: peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia.

Drug Interactions (News - Alert)

Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, or P-gp inhibitors, has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE).

Use in Specific Populations

Moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment: MMAE exposure and adverse reactions are increased. Avoid use.

Advise males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during, and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS treatment.

Advise patients to report pregnancy immediately and avoid breastfeeding while receiving ADCETRIS.

For additional Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNING, please see the full Prescribing Information for ADCETRIS at www.seattlegenetics.com or www.ADCETRIS.com.

Forward-Looking Statement:

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking, such as those, among others, relating to the therapeutic and commercial potential of ADCETRIS, including ADCETRIS' potential as a treatment for MTCL, the potential of patients in the study to receive future long-term benefits including possibly to be cured from their disease, and Seattle Genetics' goal to redefine frontline MTCL treatment with a novel ADCETRIS combination regimen, the anticipated benefits of Seattle Genetics' ADCETRIS clinical development program, and the potential submission of applications (e.g., a supplemental Biologics License Application in the U.S.) seeking label expansion for ADCETRIS use in the ECHELON-2 setting. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks of adverse events associated with ADCETRIS use, negative or unexpected results from the phase 1 or ECHELON-2 trials even after promising results in earlier company- and investigator-sponsored trials, and adverse regulatory actions affecting ADCETRIS, all of which could result in Seattle Genetics being unable to expand ADCETRIS' labeled indications of use to the ECHELON-2 or any other settings. Seattle Genetics may also experience delays in the conduct of and obtaining data from the ECHELON-2 and its other clinical trials, in each case for a variety of reasons, including the inherent difficulty and uncertainty of pharmaceutical product development. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seattle Genetics is contained under the caption "Risk Factors" included in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seattle Genetics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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