What's New?

Bristol Myers Squibb announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 COMMANDS trial evaluating Reblozyl® (luspatercept-aamt) in the first-line treatment of adult patients with very low-, low- or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who require red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a significant improvement in red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) with concurrent hemoglobin increase. The safety profile of Reblozyl was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals reported. Bristol Myers Squibb plans to present detailed results at an upcoming medical meeting and discuss them with health authorities. Reblozyl, developed through a collaboration with Merck, is a first-in-class therapeutic option for the treatment of anemia in patients with beta thalassemia and MDS.

Syros Pharmaceuticals has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for orphan drug designation for tamibarotene in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Tamibarotene, currently in Phase 3 trials, aims to become the first therapy for RARA-positive patients with newly diagnosed higher-risk MDS. The EU designation follows a similar one granted by the U.S. FDA earlier this year. This designation offers regulatory and financial incentives for developing treatments for rare conditions. Syros Pharmaceuticals aims to advance its pipeline, leveraging small molecules to control gene expression effectively.

Gamida Cell's Biologics License Application (BLA) for omidubicel, an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant therapy for blood cancer patients, has been accepted by the FDA with Priority Review. Omidubicel demonstrated significant reduction in engraftment time compared to standard umbilical cord blood in Phase 3 trials. If approved, it could address the critical need for stem cell donors, potentially benefiting 2,000 - 2,500 patients annually in the U.S. The FDA's Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is January 30, 2023. Gamida Cell is optimistic about omidubicel's potential and is committed to working with the FDA to expedite its availability.

The FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to Roche's Venclexta (venetoclax) in combination with azacitidine for previously untreated intermediate, high-, and very high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS, a rare group of blood cancers, often progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With approximately 10,000 new cases yearly in the US, patients face a median survival of only 18 months with higher-risk MDS. This designation, based on interim phase Ib study results, expedites the development of medicines for serious conditions. Venclexta is already approved for certain AML treatments and is jointly developed and commercialized by AbbVie and Roche.

A new Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) was developed, enhancing risk stratification and treatment planning based on genetic profiles. Developed through international collaboration, IPSS-M offers personalized risk scores and a web-based calculator for clinical use.

Servier Pharmaceuticals has announced the FDA approval of TIBSOVO® (ivosidenib tablets) in combination with azacitidine for treating newly diagnosed IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults aged 75 years or older, or those with comorbidities preventing intensive chemotherapy use. This marks the first approval of a therapy targeting cancer metabolism with azacitidine for this patient group. The approval is based on positive data from the Phase 3 AGILE trial, showing significant improvements in event-free survival and overall survival compared to standard treatments. TIBSOVO plus azacitidine demonstrated a threefold improvement in median overall survival (24 months) compared to placebo plus azacitidine (7.9 months). This approval expands the use of TIBSOVO, which is already approved for other IDH1-mutated cancer types. TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine has shown a favorable safety profile in newly diagnosed AML patients.

Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) introduces a program offering free comprehensive molecular profiling to underserved cancer patients, aiming to bridge healthcare disparities. GTC commits to donating 5% of its testing volume and encourages further contributions. Physicians nominate eligible patients, fostering equitable access to precision medicine. GTC urges pharmaceutical involvement to improve access to targeted therapies and clinical trials.

Syros Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan drug designation (ODD) to tamibarotene for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Tamibarotene, an oral selective retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) agonist, is being evaluated in combination with azacitidine in the SELECT-MDS-1 Phase 3 trial for RARA-positive patients with newly diagnosed higher-risk MDS. The designation provides benefits including market exclusivity and tax credits for qualified clinical trials. The ongoing trial is expected to provide data in late 2023 or early 2024, with a potential new drug application filing in 2024. Syros is also evaluating tamibarotene for RARA-positive patients with newly diagnosed unfit acute myeloid leukemia.