NJ-LEGEND-BIOTECH
26.5.2022 09:12:10 CEST | Business Wire | Press release
Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ: LEGN) (Legend Biotech), a global biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel therapies to treat life-threatening diseases, today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted conditional marketing authorization of CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least three prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. Legend Biotech entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) to develop and commercialize cilta-cel in December 2017.
CARVYKTI® is a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy featuring two B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting single domain antibodies.1 CAR-T therapy is specifically developed for each individual patient, and it is administered as a single infusion.1,2
“The approval of CARVYKTI® by the European Commission marks Legend’s first approval in the region and is a significant milestone as we advance our commitment to bring innovative cell therapies to patients with the highest unmet need,” said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. “The CARTITUDE-1 data showed that CARVYKTI® provides the potential for long, treatment-free intervals for heavily pre-treated patients, and is a valuable treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma. We look forward to working with Janssen to bring this new option to patients across Europe.”
This approval was supported by the pivotal CARTITUDE-1 study, including patients who had received a median of six prior treatment regimens (range, 3-18), and had previously received an IMiD, PI and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.3 Findings showed that at a median duration of 18 months follow-up (range, 1.5-30.5), a one-time treatment with cilta-cel resulted in deep and durable responses, with 98 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 92.7-99.7) of patients with RRMM responding to therapy (98 percent overall response rate [ORR] (N=97)).3,4 Notably, 80 percent of the patients achieved stringent complete response (sCR), a measure in which a physician is unable to observe any signs or symptoms of disease via imaging or other tests after treatment.3
The safety of cilta-cel was evaluated in 179 adult patients across two open-label clinical trials (MMY2001 and MMY2003 ). The most common adverse reactions (≥20 percent) were neutropenia (91 percent), cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (88 percent), pyrexia (88 percent), thrombocytopenia (73 percent), anemia (72 percent), leukopenia (54 percent), lymphopenia (45 percent), musculoskeletal pain (43 percent), hypotension (41 percent), fatigue (40 percent), transaminase elevation (37 percent), upper respiratory tract infection (32 percent), diarrhea (28 percent), hypocalcemia (27 percent), hypophosphatemia (26 percent), nausea (26 percent), headache (25 percent), cough (25 percent), tachycardia (23 percent), chills (23 percent), encephalopathy (22 percent), decreased appetite (22 percent), oedema (22 percent), and hypokalemia (20 percent).4
“There continues to be an unmet need for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have exhausted existing treatment options. Data from the CARTITUDE-1 trial have shown that cilta-cel provides deep and durable responses for heavily pre-treated patients. Today’s approval by the European Commission reinforces the potential of this new treatment option for multiple myeloma patients in Europe,” said Hermann Einsele, Full Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II of the Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany.*
As a highly personalized medicine, where a patient’s own T-cells are reprogrammed to target and kill cancer cells, administration of CAR-T therapy requires extensive training, preparation, and certification to ensure the highest quality product and experience for patients.2 Through a phased approach, Legend Biotech’s strategic partner, Janssen, will work diligently to activate a limited network of certified treatment centers and will aim to increase availability of cilta-cel across Europe, in an effort to provide oncologists and patients with treatment in a reliable manner.
This EC Marketing Authorization follows the approval of CARVYKTI® by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 28, 2022.
*Hermann Einsele, M.D., FRCP has not been paid for contributing to this press release.
About CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)
CARVYKTI® is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that identifies and eliminates cells that express BCMA.4 BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B-cells and plasma cells.4 The CARVYKTI® CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domain antibodies designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA.4 Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.4
In December 2017, Legend Biotech Corporation entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) to develop and commercialize cilta-cel.5
In April 2021, Legend announced the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application to the European Medicines Agency seeking approval of cilta-cel for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition to U.S. Breakthrough Therapy Designation granted in December 2019, cilta-cel also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China in August 2020. In February 2019, cilta-cel received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA from the European Commission in February 2020, and from the Pharmaceuticals and Medicinal Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan in June 2020. In May 2022, the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products recommended by consensus that the orphan designation for cilta-cel be maintained, on the basis of clinical data demonstrating improved and sustained complete response rates following treatment.6 Cilta-cel was approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2022.5
About CARTITUDE-1
CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207 )7 is an ongoing Phase 1b/2, open-label, single arm, multi-center trial evaluating cilta-cel for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, who previously received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Of the 97 patients enrolled in the trial, 99 percent were refractory to the last line of treatment and 88 percent were triple-class refractory, meaning their cancer did not respond, or no longer responds, to an IMiD, a PI and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.4
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells.8 In Europe, it is estimated that more than 50,900 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020, and approximately 32,500 patients died.9 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.10 Although treatment may result in remission, unfortunately, patients will most likely relapse.11 Patients who relapse after treatment with standard therapies, including protease inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, have poor prognoses and few treatment options available.12,13
About Legend Biotech
Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.
Learn more at www.legendbiotech.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn .
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Legend Biotech’s strategies and objectives; statements relating to CARVYKTI™, including Legend Biotech’s expectations for CARVYKTI™, such as Legend Biotech’s manufacturing and commercialization expectations for CARVYKTI™ and the potential effect of treatment with CARVYKTI™; statements about submissions for cilta-cel to, and the progress of such submissions with, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Chinese Center for Drug Evaluation of National Medical Products Administration (CDE) and other regulatory authorities; the anticipated timing of, and ability to progress, clinical trials, including patient enrollment; the submission of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to, and maintenance of such applications with, regulatory authorities; the ability to generate, analyze and present data from clinical trials; and the potential benefits of Legend Biotech’s product candidates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Legend Biotech’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development of new pharmaceutical products; unexpected clinical trial results, including as a result of additional analysis of existing clinical data or unexpected new clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays, including requests for additional safety and/or efficacy data or analysis of data, or government regulation generally; unexpected delays as a result of actions undertaken, or failures to act, by our third party partners; uncertainties arising from challenges to Legend Biotech’s patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection, including the uncertainties involved in the U.S. litigation process; competition in general; government, industry, and general public pricing and other political pressures; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental and regulatory measures implemented in response to the evolving situation; as well as the other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Legend Biotech’s Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2022. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Legend Biotech specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| References |
| _______________________________________ |
1 Martin, T. Updated Results From CARTITUDE-1: Phase 1b/2 Study of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, a B-cell Maturation Antigen–Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy, in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Abstract #549 [Oral]. Presented at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition Annual Meeting. |
2 NHS. CAR-T Therapy. https://www.england.nhs.uk/cancer/cdf/car-t-therapy/ . Accessed May 2022. |
3 Usmani, S. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM): Updated results from CARTITUDE-1. Abstract #8005 [Oral]. Presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. |
4 European Medicines Agency. CARVYKTI (Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel) Summary of Product Characteristics. May 2022. |
5 CARVYKTI™ (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), BCMA-Directed CAR-T Therapy, Receives U.S. FDA Approval for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: https://legendbiotech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CARVYKTI%E2%84%A2-ciltacabtagene-autoleucel-BCMA-Directed-CAR-T-Therapy-Receives-U.S.-FDA-Approval-2.pdf . Accessed May 2022. |
6 European Commission. Community Register of Orphan Medicinal Products. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/o2252.htm . Accessed May 2022. |
7 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of JNJ-68284528, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (CARTITUDE-1). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03548207 . Accessed May 2022. |
8 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Multiple myeloma: introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/introduction . Accessed May 2022. |
9 GLOBOCAN 2020. Cancer Today Population Factsheets: Europe Region. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/908-europe-fact-sheets.pdf . Accessed May 2022. |
10 American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma: early detection, diagnosis and staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8740.00.pdf . Accessed May 2022. |
11 Rajkumar SV. Multiple myeloma: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. Am J Hematol. 2020;95(5),548-567. doi:10.1002/ajh.25791. |
12 Kumar SK, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E, et al. Natural history of relapsed myeloma, refractory to immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors: a multicenter IMWG study. Leukemia. 2017;31(11):2443- 2448. |
13 Gandhi UH, Cornell RF, Lakshman A, et al. Outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma refractory to CD38- targeted monoclonal antibody therapy. Leukemia. 2019;33(9):2266-2275. |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220525005944/en/
About Business Wire
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
Tashkent Makes History with Central Asia’s First Golden Globes Gala9.11.2026 14:42:00 CET | Press release
Two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody joins leading cultural figures as the inaugural Golden Globes Silk Road Tribute Gala brings the awards to the region for the first time Tashkent hosted the inaugural Golden Globes Silk Road Tribute Gala, bringing together internationally recognised actors, filmmakers and cultural figures from Central Asia, the Caucasus and beyond. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261109918777/en/ Tashkent Makes History with Central Asia’s First Golden Globes Gala (Photo credit: © Organising Committee of the Golden Globes Silk Road Tashkent) Guests of honour included Otabek Umarov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia and Member of the FIA Senate, and Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection, First Deputy Chairman of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbeki
Latifa bint Mohammed Inaugurates ISEA20269.11.2026 14:30:00 CET | Press release
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026 Dubai), held under the theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity.’ Bringing together artists, researchers and innovators from around the world, the symposium, in its largest-ever edition, explores how art, science and technology can expand creative expression, deepen cultural understanding, and shape the future of electronic and emerging art. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261109319593/en/ Burj Khalifa lights up to celebrate the opening of ISEA2026 Dubai (Photo: AETOSWire) Her Highness marked the inauguration by launching the interactive ELYAH show at ARTE MUSEUM Dubai. Inspired by Dubai’s celestial heritage, the experience combined light, music, performance and digital technology to explore the relations
Muslim World League’s “Minhaj” App Participates in Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Jeddah9.11.2026 14:04:00 CET | Press release
The “Minhaj” app, developed by the Muslim World League (MWL), is participating in the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026, which commenced today in Jeddah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah protect him). Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030, the event is being held from November 8 to 11 at the Jeddah Superdome under the theme “From Makkah to the World.” This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261109411972/en/ The pavilion of the Muslim World League (MWL) at the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: AETOSWire) Minhaj’s participation in this international event aims to introduce its integrated Islamic digital ecosystem, launched from Makkah to serve Muslims worldwide. The app off
CAIRDAC Adds Operational Expertise to Its Board of Directors With the Appointment of Rinda Sama9.11.2026 13:44:00 CET | Press release
CAIRDAC, SA, a pre-revenue-stage medtech company developing ALPS™, a leadless, self-powered cardiac pacing system, today announced the appointment of Mr. Rinda Sama to its Board of Directors. His appointment adds deep manufacturing, quality and operational experience to the Board and follows the recent appointment of Raymond W. Cohen as Chairman. “Mr. Sama’s extensive experience in manufacturing, quality systems and operational scale-up for complex implantable devices will be extremely valuable to our Company as we prepare for clinical evaluation and the next stages of development,” said Edouard Fonck, Chief Executive Officer of CAIRDAC. Mr. Sama currently serves as CEO of Spiro Medical, a company focused on treating asthma employing a proprietary neuromodulation system. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of publicly traded Axonics, Inc. where he was accountable for manufacturing and quality and the operational infrastructure that supported the company’s commercial growth.
Nominations Open for Sixth Edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2027 Worth USD 250,000 Prize9.11.2026 13:35:00 CET | Press release
Aster DM Healthcare has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, inviting registered nurses worldwide to showcase their contributions to healthcare and compete for a prize of USD 250,000. The award recognises nurses whose work advances patient care, strengthens healthcare systems, drives innovation and transforms communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261109180902/en/ Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award - One nurse will win the trophy and the prize of USD 250,000 (Photo: AETOSWire) Open to registered nurses worldwide, the award recognises contributions across five areas: Patient Care, Nursing Education, Social and Community Service, Research and Innovation, and Nursing Leadership and Administration. Applicants can share their professional journeys through case-study questions, in multiple languages at www.asterguardians.com until December 31, 2026. The 2026
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
