Business Wire

DE-INCYTE

Share
Incyte Announces Approval of Pemazyre® (pemigatinib) in Japan for the Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC) with a Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) Fusion Gene, Worsening After Cancer Chemotherapy

Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved Pemazyre® (pemigatinib), a selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC) with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion gene1 , worsening after cancer chemotherapy.

“The MHLW approval of Pemazyre is an important milestone for the BTC community, and underscores our commitment to finding and delivering solutions for patients with significant unmet medical needs,” said Lothar Finke, M.D., Ph.D., General Manager, Incyte Asia. “BTC is a rare and serious condition, and we are proud that with the support of the MHLW we will be able to bring a new targeted treatment to more patients around the world.”

BTC is a rare cancer that forms in the bile duct. Cholangiocarcinoma, a subtype of BTC, is classified based on its origin: intrahepatic, which occurs in the bile duct inside the liver and extrahepatic, which occurs in the bile duct outside the liver. Patients with BTC are often diagnosed at a late or advanced stage when the prognosis is poor2,3 . FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements, which occur almost exclusively in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, are observed in a small percentage of Japanese patients with BTC4,5,6,7 .

The approval is based on data from the FIGHT-202 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of pemigatinib in adult patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with documented FGF/FGFR status. In FIGHT-202 patients harboring FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements (Cohort A), Pemazyre monotherapy resulted in an overall response rate of 36% (primary endpoint), and median DOR of 7.49 months (secondary endpoint). The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) were grade ≤2 hyperphosphatemia (58.2%). Other frequent TEAEs (all grades) observed in ≥30% of patients were alopecia, diarrhea, fatigue, dysgeusia, nausea, constipation, stomatitis, dry mouth and decreased appetite. The majority of these TEAEs were grade ≤2. The TEAE with grade ≥3 that occurred in ≥10% of patients was hypophosphatemia.

Previously, the MHLW granted Orphan Drug Designation for Pemazyre – a designation granted to investigational compounds intended to treat rare diseases that affect fewer than 50,000 people in Japan, and for which there is a high medical need8 . Designated orphan drugs are eligible for priority review for marketing authorizations to ensure supply to clinical settings at the earliest opportunity8 .

About FIGHT-202

The FIGHT-202 Phase 2, open-label, multicenter study (NCT02924376) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of pemigatinib – a selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1, 2, 3 inhibitor – in adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with documented FGF/FGFR status.

Patients were enrolled into one of three cohorts – Cohort A (FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements), Cohort B (other FGF/FGFR genetic alterations) or Cohort C (no FGF/FGFR genetic alterations). All patients received 13.5 mg pemigatinib orally once daily (QD) on a 21-day cycle (two weeks on/one week off) until radiological disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The primary endpoint of FIGHT-202 is overall response rate (ORR) in Cohort A, assessed by independent review per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include ORR; progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety in all cohorts.

For more information about FIGHT-202, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02924376 .

About FIGHT

The FIGHT (FI broblast G rowth factor receptor in oncology and H ematology T rials) clinical trial program includes ongoing Phase 2 and 3 studies investigating safety and efficacy of pemigatinib therapy across several FGFR-driven malignancies. Phase 2 monotherapy studies include FIGHT-202, as well as FIGHT-201 investigating pemigatinib in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable bladder cancer, including with activating FGFR3 mutations or fusions/rearrangements; FIGHT-203 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms with activating FGFR1 fusions/rearrangements; FIGHT-207 in patients with previously treated, locally-advanced/metastatic or surgically unresectable solid tumor malignancies harboring activating FGFR mutations or fusions/rearrangements, irrespective of tumor type.

FIGHT-302 is a Phase 3 study investigating pemigatinib as a first-line treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements.

About Pemazyre® (pemigatinib)

Pemazyre is a kinase inhibitor indicated in the United States for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or other rearrangement as detected by an FDA-approved test9 . This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

In Japan, Pemazyre is approved for the treatment of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC) with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion gene, worsening after cancer chemotherapy.

Pemazyre is a potent, selective, oral inhibitor of FGFR isoforms 1, 2 and 3 which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated selective pharmacologic activity against cancer cells with FGFR alterations.

Pemazyre is marketed by Incyte in the United States and will be marketed by Incyte in Japan. Incyte has granted Innovent Biologics, Inc. rights to develop and commercialize pemigatinib in hematology and oncology in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Incyte has retained all other rights to develop and commercialize pemigatinib outside of the United States.

Additionally, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion recommending the conditional marketing authorization of pemigatinib for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or rearrangement that have progressed after at least one prior line of systemic therapy.

Pemazyre is a trademark of Incyte Corporation.

About Incyte

Incyte is a Wilmington, Delaware-based, global biopharmaceutical company focused on finding solutions for serious unmet medical needs through the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics. For additional information on Incyte, please visit Incyte.com and follow @Incyte .

For more information on Incyte Biosciences Japan G.K., please visit Incyte.jp .

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information set forth herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding whether and/or when Pemazyre might provide a treatment option for patients with FGFR2 fusion positive locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, and further development of pemigatinib, contain predictions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including unanticipated developments in and risks related to: unanticipated delays; further research and development and the results of clinical trials possibly being unsuccessful or insufficient to meet applicable regulatory standards or warrant continued development; the ability to enroll sufficient numbers of subjects in clinical trials and the ability to enroll subjects in accordance with planned schedules; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to address the pandemic on the Company’s clinical trials, supply chain and other third-party providers and development and discovery operations; determinations made by the FDA, EMA, PMDA or MHLW and other regulatory authorities; the Company’s dependence on its relationships with its collaboration partners;;the efficacy or safety of the Company’s products and the products of the Company’s collaboration partners; the acceptance of the Company’s products and the products of the Company’s collaboration partners in the marketplace; market competition; sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution requirements; greater than expected expenses; expenses relating to litigation or strategic activities; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Disclaimer

The drug information contained herein is intended for the disclosure of Incyte corporate information and is not intended to advertise or promote any medicinal product, including those under development.


1 In the approved Japanese indication, “fusion gene” includes both fusion genes and rearrangements.
2 Banales JM, et al. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;13:261‒280.
3 Uhlig J, et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2019;26:1993–2000.
4 Liver Cancer White Paper 2015. Japan Society of Hepatology.
5 Nakamura H, et al. Nat Genet. 2015;47:1003‒1010.
6 Jang H, et al. J Gastroenterol. 2020;26:6207–6223.
7 Japan Liver Cancer Study Group Follow-Up Survey Committee. The 20th National Primary Liver Cancer Follow-up Report (2008-2009). Liver. 2019;60: 258-293.
8 Overview of Orphan Drug/Medical Device Designation System. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Available at: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000068484.html .
9 Pemazyre(pemigatinib) [Package Insert]. Wilmington, DE: Incyte; 2020.

Link:

ClickThru

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
101 California Street, 20th Floor
CA 94111 San Francisco

http://businesswire.com

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Verimatrix: Signing of an Agreement for the Sale of XTD Assets (Code and Application Protection) to Guardsquare8.12.2025 17:45:00 CET | Press release

Sale of XTD assets (mobile application protection) including a portfolio of patents and a team of experts for an initial offer of $8.5m, the final price will be adjusted at the closing.Verimatrix refocuses on Anti-Piracy (video protection), the group's core business representing approximately 90% of its total revenue Regulatory News: VERIMATRIX (Euronext Paris: VMX, FR0010291245), a leading provider of user security solutions for a safer connected world, announces the signing of an agreement with Belgium-based Guardsquare, the leading provider of mobile application security, for the sale of its Extended Threat Defense (XTD) assets. Guardsquare, the creators of the open-source optimization tool, ProGuard, offers the most complete mobile application security platform on the market spanning automated testing and multi-layered protection, real time threat monitoring, and app attestation. Guardsquare’s 975+ customers are located in more than 95 countries and represent all major industries.

WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu Becomes Global Brand Ambassador for Ant International8.12.2025 17:00:00 CET | Press release

Four-time WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu today becomes a new Global Brand Ambassador for Ant International, a leading global provider of digital payments, digitisation, and financial technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208536426/en/ The partnership is built on a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world through empowering underserved communities and youth groups with sports and technology innovation. It marks an important step in Ant International’s journey to foster growth and expand access to financial tools through innovative technology. Ionescu serves as the first Ant International global brand ambassador from North America. “Sabrina embodies the spirit of perseverance and the passion for excellence that is driving young talents and small businesses around the world to uplift their communities,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “As a legend in a spor

SABCS 2025: REVEAL GENOMICS Presents Major Advance in Predicting Brain Metastasis in HER2+ Breast Cancer8.12.2025 16:20:00 CET | Press release

The new HER2DX central nervous system (CNS) progression score predicts risk of brain progression in advanced HER2+ breast cancer, addressing a major unmet need in identifying patients at the highest risk of CNS involvement. During SABCS 2025, the company presents a total of 7 studies with 1,300 tumor samples analyzed, covering HER2-positive, ER-negative, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), representing one of the largest and most comprehensive genomic data contributions to the symposium. New clinical evidence includes superior pCR prediction compared with TILs, demonstration of real-time genomic testing feasibility in an international trial, and validation of RNA-based ERBB2 assessment to accelerate clinical decision-making. REVEAL GENOMICS, S.L., a Barcelona-based biotechnology company focused on advancing precision oncology through biomarker innovation, announced today the presentation of seven studies at the upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) 2025, held Decem

NetApp Advances EMEA & LATAM Presence with Appointment of Willem Hendrickx as Customer Demand for AI Accelerates8.12.2025 16:15:00 CET | Press release

A leader in driving enterprise transformation, Hendrickx brings nearly three decades of experience, strengthening global partner ecosystems and customer relationships across regions NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today announced the appointment of Willem Hendrickxas Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEA & LATAM, effective January 5, 2026. Hendrickxwill lead NetApp’s business strategy, go-to-market execution, and partner engagement across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Reporting to NetApp President César Cernuda, Hendrickx brings a deep regional knowledge and track record of building high-performing teams, further enabling the acceleration of NetApp’s international footprint by helping global customers navigate the evolving demands of hybrid cloud and AI-driven data infrastructure. Hendrickx holds a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from KU Leuven and is based in Brussels, Belgium. “Willem joins NetApp at a pivotal t

MediaKind and Harmonic’s Video Business to Combine, Creating a Leading Streaming-Infrastructure Platform8.12.2025 15:37:00 CET | Press release

Combined business will be the #1 independent comprehensive streaming-infrastructure platformBrings together complementary product teams to drive faster advancement across cloud and appliance technologiesFurthers MediaKind’s mission to redefine the future of media and entertainment through advanced video technology MediaKind, a global leader in cloud-based video streaming technology, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Video Business of Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) for approximately $145 million. Following a French employee works council consultation process, the parties would immediately execute a purchase agreement, and the transaction would be expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction creates a world-class independent SaaS streaming infrastructure provider by combining two established video technology organizations with complementary strengths in SaaS streaming, appliance

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye