Janssen Presents Initial Results for BCMA CAR-T Therapy JNJ-4528 Showing Early, Deep and High Responses in the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today initial results from the Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study (NCT03548207) evaluating the efficacy and safety of JNJ-68284528 (JNJ-4528), an investigational B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy being evaluated in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The study enrolled patients who had received at least three prior lines of therapy or were double refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD); had received a PI, IMiD and an anti-CD38 antibody. The CARTITUDE-1 study results, premiered at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, were featured as an oral presentation and highlighted in the official ASH press programme (Abstract #577).¹

Results from the Phase 1b portion of the CARTITUDE-1 study showed early and deep responses among patients (n=29) with a median of five prior multiple myeloma treatment regimens (range, 3–18) treated with JNJ-4528 (median administered dose 0.73x10⁶ CAR+ viable T cells/kg).¹ One hundred percent of patients achieved a response at a median follow-up of six months.¹ Eighty-six percent of patients were triple-refractory to a PI, IMiD, and anti-CD38 antibody, 72 percent were penta-exposed, and 31 percent were penta-refractory).¹ The overall response rate (ORR) included 69 percent of patients achieving a complete response (CR) or better (66 percent achieved a stringent CR); 86 percent of patients achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better; and 14 percent of patients achieved a partial response (PR). In addition, all 15 out of a total of 29 patients (100 percent evaluable) at the 10^-5 sensitivity level were MRD negative at the latest sample available.¹ At the median follow-up of six months, 27 of 29 patients were progression-free. Based on the Phase 1b results, a recommended Phase 2 dose of 0.75x10⁶ CAR+ viable T cells/kg was confirmed.¹

“These initial results from the Phase 1b portion of the CARTITUDE-1 study highlight a compelling clinical profile for JNJ-4528 in heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma,” said Deepu Madduri, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, and principal study investigator. “With the CARTITUDE-1 expansion cohort fully enrolled and all patients dosed, we look forward to collecting additional efficacy and safety data to further define the profile of this BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy.”

Dr Patrick Laroche, Haematology Therapy Area Lead, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Janssen-Cilag, adds, “Janssen has a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma and patients with relapsed or refractory disease remain in urgent need of new treatment options. We are excited to further explore the potential of JNJ-4528 and build on the early promising data seen in CARTITUDE-1.”

The most common adverse events (AEs) observed in the CARTITUDE-1 study were cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (93 percent); neutropenia (93 percent); anaemia (86 percent); and thrombocytopenia (86 percent).¹ In patients who experienced grade 3 and above AEs (25 percent); the most common were neutropenia (93 percent); thrombocytopenia (69 percent); and anaemia (55 percent).¹ A majority of patients (86 percent) experienced grade 1-2 CRS. One patient experienced grade 3 CRS and one patient died of complications from CRS at day 99.¹ The median onset of CRS was generally predictable at seven days (range, 2-12) post-infusion, with a median duration of four days (range, 1-60).¹

“We are encouraged by the overall response reported in patients receiving JNJ-4528, results that build upon the LEGEND-2 study data as reported in Chinese patients and now show promise in U.S. patients,” said Sen Zhuang, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “We are committed to advancing this novel BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy through clinical development and bringing this immunotherapy to patients who are still in need of effective therapies to rapidly control their disease.”

JNJ-4528 is a structurally differentiated CAR-T with two BCMA targeting single domain antibodies.² LCAR-B38M identifies the investigational product in China, sponsored by Janssen development partner, Legend Biotech. JNJ-4528 identifies the investigational product with the same CAR construct being studied in the U.S. and Europe.

Safety and efficacy results observed in the CARTITUDE-1 study were consistent with the LEGEND-2 study of LCAR-B38M, sponsored by Legend Biotech. In follow-up data from the LEGEND-2 study presented at ASH (Abstract #579), investigators reported the long-term response and safety profile for LCAR-B38M.³ Overall response rates of 88 percent were observed, with 46 percent of all-treated patients and 64 percent of the MRD-negative patients with CR remaining progression-free.³ The median progression-free survival (PFS) for all-treated patients was 20 months (range, 10–28); median PFS for MRD-negative patients with CR was 28 months (range, 20–31).³

In a separate oral presentation (Abstract #928), data highlighting post-infusion CAR+ T cell expansion in the bone marrow and blood of patients enrolled in the CARTITUDE-1 study will be reported. While both CD4+ and CD8+ CAR+ T cells expanded in vivo, a preferential expansion of memory CD8+ CAR+ T cells was observed at peak expansion.⁴ These and other correlative studies are being conducted to better understand the immune mechanisms associated with response to JNJ-4528, and suggest that the high anti-myeloma activity of JNJ-4528 seen at a relatively low T cell dose is potentially related to its preferential and consistent in vivo expansion of CD8+ CAR+ T cells.⁴

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About CARTITUDE-1

CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is an ongoing Phase 1b/2, open-label, multicentre study evaluating the safety and efficacy of JNJ-68284528 (JNJ-4528) in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy or are double refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD); have received a PI, IMiD and an anti-CD38 antibody.¹ The primary objective of the Phase 1b portion of the study is to characterise the safety and confirm the dose of JNJ-68284528 (JNJ-4528), which was informed by the first-in-human study with LCAR-B38M CAR-T cells (LEGEND-2). The primary objective for the Phase 2 portion of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of JNJ-68284528 (primary endpoint: overall response rate as defined by the International Myeloma Working Group response criteria).⁵

About LEGEND-2

LEGEND-2 (NCT03090659) is an ongoing Phase 1, single-arm, open-label study in China comprised of four independent institutional studies being conducted at participating hospitals evaluating the efficacy and safety of LCAR-B38M for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.⁶

About JNJ-68284528 (LCAR-B38M)

JNJ-68284528 (LCAR-B38M) is an investigational chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The design comprises a structurally differentiated CAR-T with two BCMA targeting single domain antibodies. In December 2017, Janssen entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Legend to develop and commercialise JNJ-68284528/LCAR-B38M. In May 2018, Janssen initiated a Phase 1b/2 trial (NCT03548207) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JNJ-68284528 in adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, informed by the LEGEND-2 study results.^5,7

In April 2019, JNJ-68284528 was granted PRIME (PRIority MEdicines) designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).⁸ PRIME offers enhanced interaction and early dialogue to optimise development plans and speed up evaluation of cutting-edge, scientific advances that target a high unmet medical need.⁹

About CAR-T and BCMA

CAR-T cells are an innovative approach to eradicating cancer cells by harnessing the power of a patient's own immune system.¹⁰ BCMA is a protein that is highly expressed on myeloma cells.¹¹ By targeting BCMA via a CAR-T approach, CAR-T therapies may have the potential to redefine the treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma and potentially advance towards cures for patients with the disease.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterised by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells.¹² In Europe, more than 48,200 people were diagnosed with MM in 2018, and more than 30,800 patients died.¹³ Around 60 percent of newly diagnosed patients do not reach five-year survival,¹⁴ and almost 29 percent of patients with multiple myeloma will die within one year of diagnosis.¹⁵

Although treatment may result in remission, unfortunately, patients will most likely relapse as there is currently no cure.¹⁶ Refractory MM is when a patient’s disease progresses within 60 days of their last therapy.¹⁷ Relapsed cancer is when the disease has returned after a period of initial, partial or complete remission.¹⁸ While some patients with MM have no symptoms at all, others are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.¹⁹ Patients who relapse after treatment with standard therapies, including protease inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, have poor prognoses and require new therapies for continued disease control.²⁰

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.

Cilag GmbH International; Janssen Biotech, Inc.; Janssen Oncology, Inc. and Janssen-Cilag International NV are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

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Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of LCAR-B38M and JNJ-68284528. 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 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, 2018, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in the company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other 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. Neither the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

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References

¹ Madduri D, Usmani D, Jagannath S, et al., Results from CARTITUDE-1: A Phase 1b/2 Study of JNJ-4528, a CAR-T Cell Therapy Directed Against B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM). 2019 ASH Annual Meeting. December 2019. Abstract number #577

² Fan F, Zhuang Q, Yang L, et al., Preclinical assessment of LCAR-B38M, a novel BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma 2019 17th International Myeloma Workshop. September 2019. Abstract number FP-182, #413.

³ Wang BY, Zhao WH, Liu J, et al., Long-term follow-up of a Phase 1, first-in-human open-label study of LCAR-B38M, a structurally differentiated CAR-T cell therapy targeting BCMA, in patients with RRMM. 2019 ASH Annual Meeting. December 2019. Abstract number #579

⁴ Zudaire E, Madduri D, Usmani S, et al., Translational Analysis from CARTITUDE-1, an Ongoing Phase 1b/2 Study of JNJ-4528 BCMA-targeted CAR-T Cell Therapy in Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM), Indicates Preferential Expansion of CD8+ T Cell Central Memory Cell Subset. 2019 ASH Annual Meeting. December 2019. Abstract number 928

⁵ 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. Last accessed December 2019

⁶ ClinicalTrials.gov. LCAR-B38M-02 Cells in Treating Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Multiple Myeloma (LEGEND-2). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03090659. Last accessed December 2019

⁷ Xu J, Chen LJ, Yang SS, Sun Y, Wu W, Liu YF, Xu J, Zhuang Y, Zhang W, Weng XQ, Wu J. Exploratory trial of a biepitopic CAR T-targeting B cell maturation antigen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2019 May 7;116(19):9543-51.

⁸ JnJ.com. Janssen Announces Investigational CAR-T Therapy JNJ-68284528 Granted PRIME Designation by the European Medicines Agency. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/janssen-announces-investigational-car-t-therapy-jnj-68284528-granted-prime-designation-by-the-european-medicines-agency. Last accessed December 2019

⁹ European Medicines Agency. PRIME Factsheet. Available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/research-development/prime-priority-medicines Last accessed: December 2019

¹⁰ Hay A, Cheung M. CAR T-cells: costs, comparisons, and commentary. J Med Econ. 2019: 22(7): 613-615, DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2019.1582059

¹¹ Cho SF, Anderson KC, Tai YT. Targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in multiple myeloma: potential uses of BCMA-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol. 2018;9:18-21.

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¹⁴ De Angelis R, Minicozzi P, Sant M, et al. Survival variations by country and age for lymphoid and myeloid malignancies in Europe 2000-2007: results of EUROCARE-5 population-based study. Eur J Cancer. 2015;51:2254-68.

¹⁵ Costa LJ, Gonsalves WI, Kumar SK. Early mortality in multiple myeloma. Leukemia. 2015;29:1616-8.

¹⁶ Abdi J, Chen G, Chang H, et al. Drug resistance in multiple myeloma: latest findings and new concepts on molecular mechanisms. Oncotarget. 2013;4:2186–2207.

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December 2019

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