Business Wire

JANSSEN

9.2.2021 12:17:06 CET | Business Wire | Press release

Share
Janssen Presents Results from Phase 3 ACIS Study in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated with Apalutamide▼ and Abiraterone Acetate Combination

FOR EMEA-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL TRADE AND MEDICAL MEDIA ONLY

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UK, BENELUX

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson today presented results from the randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind Phase 3 ACIS study, which met the primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) with a 31 percent reduction in the risk of radiographic progression or death in patients with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients in the trial received either a combination of apalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (combination arm) or placebo and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (control arm).1 Results will be featured in an oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary (ASCO GU) Cancers Symposium, taking place virtually February 11-13, 2021 (Abstract #9; Rapid Abstract Session: Prostate Cancer, February 11 06:45 AM-8:00 PM CET).

The primary efficacy analysis showed median rPFS was extended by six months in patients treated in the combination arm compared with patients in the control arm (22.6 vs 16.6 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.69 [95% CI, 0.58-0.83]; p<0.0001). The HR for radiographic progression or death as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) was 0.864 [95% CI, 0.718–1.040]. According to an updated analysis performed at a median follow-up time of 54.8 months, a 30 percent reduction in the risk of radiographic progression or death was shown in the combination arm compared with the control arm (median time to rPFS 24 vs 16.6 months: HR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.60-0.83]). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for secondary endpoints including overall survival (OS), time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, chronic opioid use, and pain progression between treatment arms.

The safety profile was consistent with prior studies of apalutamide, with no new safety signals observed. Grade 3/4 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 63.3 percent in the combination arm versus 56.2 percent in the control arm.1 Grade 3/4 TAEs that occurred more frequently in the combination versus control arm included fatigue (4.7 percent vs 3.9 percent), hypertension (20.6 versus 12.5 percent), fall (3.3 percent versus 0.6 percent), skin rash (4.5 percent vs. 0.4 percent), cardiac disorders (9 percent vs 5.7 percent), fractures and osteoporosis (4.1 percent vs 1.4 percent), and seizures (0.2 percent vs 0).1 Quality-of-life was comparable between treatment arms per Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Prostate – (FACT-P Total).

##ENDS##

About the ACIS Study 1

ACIS is a Phase 3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of apalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone compared to placebo and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in 982 patients with chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC disease who received ADT.1 Patients were randomised to receive either apalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, or placebo and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone. The primary endpoint of the study was rPFS. Secondary endpoints of the study included OS, time to chronic opioid use, time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, and time to pain progression.1

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) characterises cancer that no longer responds to ADT and has spread to other parts of the body. The most common metastatic sites are bones, followed by lymph nodes, lungs, and liver.2 Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Europe, representing 25 percent of all male new cancer cases diagnosed.3 More than one million men around the world are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.4

About apalutamide

Apalutamide is an orally administered, selective androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor approved in Europe and is indicated

  • in adult men for the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) who are at high risk of developing metastatic disease and
  • in adult men for the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), also known as metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).5

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions.

About abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone acetate, an orally administered androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, in combination with prednisone or prednisolone is approved in Europe for

  • the treatment of newly diagnosed high risk metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in adult men in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT);
  • the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in adult men who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after failure of ADT in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated, and
  • the treatment of mCRPC in adult men whose disease has progressed on or after a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen.6

Additionally, abiraterone acetate was approved for the treatment of high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 8, 2018.7,8 Since its first approval in Europe in 2011, abiraterone acetate has been approved in combination with prednisone or prednisolone, in more than 105 countries and has been prescribed to more than 700,000 patients worldwide.9

About The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at www.janssen.com/emea . Follow us at www.twitter.com/janssenEMEA for our latest news. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Date of preparation: February 2021

Job code: CP-209565

###

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding potential benefits and further benefits of apalutamide. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2019, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in the company’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov , www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

References


1 Rathkopf. Dana E. Final Results From ACIS, a Randomized, Placebo (PBO)-Controlled Double-Blind Phase 3 Study of Apalutamide (APA) and Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone (AAP) Versus AAP in Patients (Pts) With Chemo-Naive Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC). Abstract #9.

2 Cancer.org. Understanding advanced cancer, metastatic cancer, and bone metastasis. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/advanced-cancer/what-is.html . Last accessed February 2021.

3 HEAL. Men Prostate cancer. Available https://www.env-health.org/IMG/pdf/prostate_testical.pdf Last accessed February 2021.

4 World Health Organization. "Globocan 2012: Prostate Cancer: Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide, 2012." http://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/pdf/fact-sheets/cancers/cancer-fact-sheets-19.pdf . Accessed February 2021.

5 European Medicines Agency. ERLEADA. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/erleada-epar-product-information_en.pdf . Last accessed February 2021.

6 European Medicines Agency. ZYTIGA. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/zytiga-epar-product-information_en.pdf , Last accessed February 2021.

7 ZYTIGA® U.S. Prescribing Information, October 2020.

8 Johnson & Johnson. Press Release. ZYTIGA® (abiraterone acetate) Plus Prednisone Approved for Treatment of Earlier Form of Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/zytiga-abiraterone-acetate-plus-prednisone-approved-for-treatment-of-earlier-form-of-metastatic-prostate-cancer . Last accessed January 2021

9 Data on file

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

IQOS One of the Most Valuable Global Brands, According to Kantar’s BrandZ 2026 Ranking26.5.2026 10:00:00 CEST | Press release

Recognition reinforces the growing consumer relevance of IQOS and the strength of Philip Morris International’s smoke-free vision Philip Morris International’s (PMI) (NYSE: PM) IQOS, the #1 tobacco heating system1, has been listed for the first time as one of the top 100 most valuable brands in the world in Kantar’s BrandZ 2026 Most Valuable Global Brands. This ranking solidifies IQOS’s global momentum and its emergence as a culturally relevant, iconic brand for adult nicotine users seeking better alternatives to cigarettes. According to the BrandZ 2026 Most Valuable Global Brands, IQOS achieved a ranking of #74 globally. With more than 35 million IQOS users worldwide—most of whom have fully switched away from cigarettes2—the brand continues to lead from the front and champion in a smoke-free era through science-backed innovation and consumer-centric design. Within 10 years of inception, IQOS surpassed $10 billion in annual net revenues, reaching this milestone faster than some of the

Quectel Expands EMEA Reach With Future Electronics Distribution Agreement26.5.2026 10:00:00 CEST | Press release

Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global end-to-end IoT solutions provider, today announced an expanded distribution partnership with Future Electronics to bring its full portfolio of products and services to customers across the EMEA region. Under this agreement, Future Electronics will bring Quectel’s full IoT portfolio to customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a strong focus on its non-cellular solutions, including antennas, GNSS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and smart modules. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Quectel’s presence in EMEA, leveraging Future Electronics’ strong regional infrastructure, technical expertise, and established customer relationships to accelerate growth and innovation. “Future Electronics’ extensive footprint and demand creation capabilities make them an ideal partner for expanding our reach across EMEA,” said Natasha Barrios, Senior Vice President, EMEA, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “By working together, we can ensure faster a

Merz Therapeutics and Kvvit Enter Exclusive Agreement for INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao26.5.2026 09:00:00 CEST | Press release

Kvvit to lead local development, regulatory activities and commercialization of INBRIJA® in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao​ Under the agreement, Merz Therapeutics will receive upfront, development and commercial milestone payments, and tiered supply and royalty arrangements, with no manufacturing rights granted to Kvvit​ Merz Therapeutics GmbH and Jiangxi Kvvit Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. today announced that the companies have entered into an exclusive license and collaboration agreement regarding INBRIJA® (levodopa inhalation powder) and its proprietary inhalation device for the intermittent treatment of episodic motor fluctuations (OFF episodes) in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) treated with a levodopa/dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.​ Under the agreement, Merz will supply INBRIJA® and retain responsibility for global product quality and key regulatory activities. Kvvit will lead development, regulatory activities and commercializat

Poland’s Poznan University of Technology Unveils IQM Quantum Computer to Drive Research and Education26.5.2026 08:49:00 CEST | Press release

IQM Radiance R1 is the first on-premises quantum computer for the PUT. The university aims to use the system to spearhead quantum education and research while boosting STEM in the country. This is the second operational quantum computer deployed in Poland by IQM. The university recognizes the significant long-term potential of integrating quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing (HPC), and intends to play a key role in shaping this transformation in Europe. Poznan University of Technology (PUT) has launched its first locally installed quantum computer, deployed by IQM Quantum Computers, to advance education and scientific research in the field of quantum technologies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260525424085/en/ The moment Poland switched on IQM's second quantum computer. Minister of Science and Higher Education Dr. Marcin Kulasek, IQM CEO Jan Goetz and CCO Sylwia de Weyde

BearingPoint Introduces Fully Sovereign On-Premise Infrastructure for GenAI and Agentic AI in Europe26.5.2026 08:30:00 CEST | Press release

BearingPoint is expanding its AI portfolio with a fully owned, sovereign on-premise and edge infrastructure designed specifically for generative and agentic AI workloads in highly regulated industries and public administrations in Europe. Building on decades of experience operating its own sovereign cloud, the firm now offers clients both dedicated hardware and token-based access to large language models – fully GDPR-compliant, ISO-certified and, on request, NIS2- and DORA-ready BearingPoint announces the launch of the BearingPoint Fully-Owned Sovereign Infrastructure Stack, an infrastructure platform designed, operated, and managed entirely by BearingPoint for GenAI and agentic AI applications, consistently engineered for European sovereignty, compliance, and security. With its own data center in Graz, the solution enables companies and public institutions to run sensitive AI workloads in fully controlled, EU-based environments – from initial innovation projects to mission-critical sc

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