Janssen Presents Results from Phase 3 ACIS Study in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated with Apalutamide▼ and Abiraterone Acetate Combination
9.2.2021 14:15:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
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
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210209005604/en/
Contact information
Media Inquiries:
Alexandra Nisipeanu
Mobile: +40 744 383 413
Email: adridean@its.jnj.com
Noah Reymond
Mobile: +31 621 385 718
Email: nreymond@its.jnj.com
Investor Relations:
Christopher DelOrefice
Office: +1 732 524 2955
Jennifer McIntyre
Office: +1 732 524 3922
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
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
BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors Named Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at the STEP Private Client Awards for the Fourth Time14.10.2026 16:05:00 EEST | Press release
BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors ("Banyan") has been named Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at the 21st annual STEP Private Client Awards, one of the most respected international honors in the private client profession. It is the fourth time Banyan has won the category, following wins in 2018, 2020 and 2021. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261013883351/en/ Kelly Greig, STEP Board Member and Dennis Jaffe, BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors at the awards ceremony. BanyanGlobal won the Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at the 21st Annual STEP Private Client Awards. The independent judging panel singled out Banyan's approach: "BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors has redefined family business advisory by combining governance with helping families build skills and confidence for long-term ownership. Its innovative approach and long-standing client relationships helped make it the s
Telekom Srbija Group Expands AI Investment and Strengthens U.S. Technology Partnerships14.10.2026 16:02:00 EEST | Press release
Following the October 1 agreement between Serbia and the United States to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), Telekom Srbija Group is expanding its AI investment and deepening relationships with leading U.S. technology companies as part of its strategy to develop the next generation digital services. As part of these efforts, Telekom Srbija Group has engaged with the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce and Export-Import Bank to explore opportunities for technology cooperation and project financing, with the ambition of becoming a preferred regional partner for U.S. companies. “Artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities for the future of telecommunications and digital services,” said Vladimir Lučić, CEO of Telekom Srbija Group. “We have been investing in this technology for several years, and our focus is now on accelerating its practical application. By combining AI innovation with our expanding 5G infrastructure and international
Wolters Kluwer names Alberto de Benito Aznar General Manager of Audit & Assurance14.10.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, today announced the appointment of Alberto de Benito Aznar as General Manager of its Audit & Assurance business, part of the Corporate Performance & ESG division. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261014786222/en/ De Benito Aznar returns to a business and market he knows well. He began his Wolters Kluwer career more than 10 years ago in Corporate Strategy and subsequently led operations for Audit & Assurance before serving most recently as General Manager of Corporate Tax. “Alberto brings a strong combination of strategic, operational and commercial leadership to Audit & Assurance,” said Maria Montenegro, CEO of Corporate Performance & ESG at Wolters Kluwer. “His leadership of Corporate Tax, combined with his previous experience in Audit & Assurance, gives him a valuable perspective as we build on TeamMate’s strong posi
Lenovo Uncovers What Happens When Entrepreneurs Look Beyond Borders for Support14.10.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Today, Lenovo debuts the first episode of its new documentary series from Backing Every Business, its global initiative designed to connect small businesses with the people, technology and support they need to grow and thrive. The series features five businesses participating in Twinning, Lenovo’sprogram that brings small business founders from around the world together, connecting them through mentorship across shared growth goals, access to resources including technology, AI training, funding designed to help address real business challenges and turn new ideas into action. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261014736241/en/ The four-part series follows entrepreneurs from Japan, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. as they step inside one another’s businesses, experience unfamiliar industries and cultures and share the knowledge they have gained from building their own businesses. A meeting between strangers evolves in
Airship Achieves ISO 42001 Certification, Clearing the Path for Responsible Enterprise AI14.10.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Airship, the mobile-first customer experience company, today announced it has achieved ISO 42001 certification, the global benchmark for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). Certified following an independent audit by A-LIGN, Airship is among the first in the CX industry to earn this standard across its platform. This certification provides enterprise brands with an independently verified foundation to scale AI-driven customer journeys—eliminating procurement hurdles while supporting compliance, data privacy, and EU AI Act readiness. Solving the Enterprise AI Paradox Enterprise product and marketing leaders face mounting pressure to innovate with AI, yet fears of data leaks, hallucinations, and regulatory non-compliance continue to stall adoption. Airship’s ISO 42001 certification addresses those concerns: an independent auditor confirmed that Airship governs its AI capabilities through a documented, tested, and continually improving management system. According to Forres
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
