Saturday, June 1, 2013

Oral Anti-Cancer Therapy Pomalidomide Celgene Receives Positive CHMP Opinion as Treatment for Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

BOUDRY, Switzerland - Saturday, June 1st 2013 [ME NewsWire]

--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celgene International Sàrl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG), today announced that the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA): Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion for Pomalidomide Celgene in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) in patients who have received at least two prior therapies, including both lenalidomide and bortezomib, and have demonstrated disease progression while on their last therapy.

The CHMP reviews applications for all 27 member states in the European Union (EU), as well as Norway and Iceland. The European Commission, which generally follows the recommendation of the CHMP, is expected to make its final decision within two to three months.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a rare blood cancer in which plasma cells, important components of the immune system, replicate uncontrollably and accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Multiple myeloma remains incurable and nearly all MM patients who achieve an initial response to treatment will relapse and require additional treatment options.

“Celgene is the first company in more than 40 years to deliver two oral treatments for multiple myeloma,” said Alan Colowick, MD, President of Celgene Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “These treatments continue to play an important role in increasing overall survival for patients living with this rare disease. Following the final decision by the European Commission within the next few months, we hope to bring oral pomalidomide, Celgene’s third and important treatment option for patients who have fully benefitted from other treatments including lenalidomide and need new options to help treat their disease. Our commitment to patients with this disease is a centerpiece of who we are as an organization and our focus on rare and debilitating diseases.”

The CHMP positive opinion was based on the results of the MM-003 study, a phase III, multi-centre, randomised (2:1), open-label study in 455 patients. The trial evaluated use of oral pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (n=302) compared with high-dose dexamethasone (n=153) in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma; according to the protocol, all patients were to have been treated with both bortezomib and lenalidomide prior to study entry. In the trial, progression-free survival (PFS), the primary endpoint, was significantly longer in patients who received pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (15.7 weeks) compared with those who received high-dose dexamethasone alone (8 weeks). Median overall survival, the secondary endpoint, was also significantly improved for pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone arm, compared with high-dose dexamethasone only (due to patients still on therapy in the pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone arm, the median has not yet been reached vs. 34 weeks in the high-dose dexamethasone arm).

The most commonly reported adverse reactions included anaemia, neutropenia, fatigue and thrombocytopenia. The most commonly reported Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions included neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and pneumonia.

About Pomalidomide

Pomalidomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent currently approved in the U.S. under the brand name Pomalyst and is under review in other countries. In the U.S., POMALYST® (pomalidomide) is indicated for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and bortezomib and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. Approval in the U.S. is based on response rate in the MM-002 clinical trial. Clinical benefit, such as improvement in survival or symptoms, has not been verified in this study.

Important Safety Information based on approved U.S. Label

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

    POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting POMALYST treatment
    Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST treatment

POMALYST is only available through a restricted distribution program called POMALYST REMSTM.

Venous Thromboembolism

    Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with POMALYST. Prophylactic anti-thrombotic measures were employed in the clinical trial. Consider prophylactic measures after assessing an individual patient’s underlying risk factors

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy

    POMALYST can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus
    Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

    Females of Reproductive Potential: Must avoid pregnancy while taking POMALYST and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with POMALYST, during therapy, during dose interruptions and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of POMALYST therapy. Must obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests prior to initiating therapy.
    Males: Pomalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking POMALYST and for up to 28 days after discontinuing POMALYST, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Males must not donate sperm
    Blood Donation: Patients must not donate blood during treatment with POMALYST and for 1 month following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to POMALYST

POMALYST REMS Program

Because of the embryo-fetal risk, POMALYST is available only through a restricted distribution program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called “POMALYST REMS.” Prescribers and pharmacists must be certified with the program; patients must sign an agreement form and comply with the requirements. Further information about the POMALYST REMS program is available at [celgeneriskmanagement.com] or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

Venous Thromboembolism: Patients receiving POMALYST have developed venous thromboembolic events reported as serious adverse reactions. In the trial, all patients were required to receive prophylaxis or antithrombotic treatment. The rate of DVT or PE was 3%. Consider anticoagulation prophylaxis after an assessment of each patient’s underlying risk factors.

Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia of any grade was reported in 50% of patients and was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event, followed by anemia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia, with complete blood counts weekly for the first 8 weeks and monthly thereafter. Treatment is continued or modified for Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Dosing interruptions and/or modifications are recommended to manage neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients with a prior history of serious hypersensitivity associated with thalidomide or lenalidomide were excluded from studies and may be at higher risk of hypersensitivity.

Dizziness and Confusional State: 18% of patients experienced dizziness and 12% of patients experienced a confusional state; 1% of patients experienced grade 3/4 dizziness, and 3% of patients experienced grade 3/4 confusional state. Instruct patients to avoid situations where dizziness or confusion may be a problem and not to take other medications that may cause dizziness or confusion without adequate medical advice.

Neuropathy: 18% of patients experienced neuropathy (approximately 9% peripheral neuropathy). There were no cases of grade 3 or higher neuropathy adverse reactions reported.

Risk of Second Primary Malignancies: Cases of acute myelogenous leukemia have been reported in patients receiving POMALYST as an investigational therapy outside of multiple myeloma.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the clinical trial MM-002 of 219 patients who received POMALYST alone (n=107) or POMALYST + low-dose dexamethasone (low-dose dex) (n=112), all patients had at least one treatment-emergent adverse reaction.

    In the POMALYST alone versus POMALYST + low dose dexamethasone arms, respectively, most common adverse reactions (≥30%) included fatigue and asthenia (55%, 63%), neutropenia (52%, 47%), anemia (38%, 39%), constipation (36%, 35%), nausea (36%,22%), diarrhea (34%, 33%), dyspnea (34%, 45%), upper respiratory tract infection (32%, 25%), back pain (32%, 30%), and pyrexia (19%, 30%)
    90% of patients treated with POMALYST alone and 88% of patients treated with POMALYST + low-dose dex had at least one treatment-emergent NCI CTC Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction
    In the POMALYST alone versus POMALYST + low dose dexamethasone arms, respectively, most common Grade 3/4 adverse reactions (≥15%) included neutropenia (47%, 38%), anemia (22%, 21%), thrombocytopenia (22%, 19%), and pneumonia (16%, 23%). For other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities besides neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, hold treatment and restart treatment at 1 mg less than the previous dose when toxicity has resolved to less than or equal to Grade 2 at the physician’s discretion
    67% of patients treated with POMALYST and 62% of patients treated with POMALYST + low-dose dex had at least one treatment-emergent serious adverse reaction
    In the POMALYST alone versus POMALYST + low dose dexamethasone arms, respectively, most common serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were pneumonia (14%, 19%), renal failure (8%, 6%), dyspnea (5%, 6%), sepsis (6%, 3%), pyrexia (3%, 5%) dehydration (5%, 3%), hypercalcemia (5%, 2%),urinary tract infection (0%, 5%), and febrile neutropenia (5%, 1%)

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with POMALYST. Pomalidomide is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP3A. Pomalidomide is also a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Coadministration of POMALYST with drugs that are strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP1A2, CYP3A, or P-gp should be avoided. Cigarette smoking may reduce pomalidomide exposure due to CYP1A2 induction. Patients should be advised that smoking may reduce the efficacy of pomalidomide.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug and refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to POMALYST to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known if pomalidomide is excreted in human milk. Pomalidomide was excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from POMALYST, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of POMALYST in patients under the age of 18 have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No dosage adjustment is required for POMALYST based on age. Patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age were more likely than patients less than or equal to 65 years of age to experience pneumonia.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Pomalidomide is metabolized in the liver. Pomalidomide and its metabolites are primarily excreted by the kidneys. The influence of renal and hepatic impairment on the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pomalidomide has not been evaluated. Avoid POMALYST in patients with a serum creatinine >3.0 mg/dL. Avoid POMALYST in patients with serum bilirubin >2.0 mg/dL and AST/ALT >3.0 x ULN.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS.

POMALYST (pomalidomide) is indicated for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and bortezomib and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. Approval is based on response rate in the MM-002 clinical trial. Clinical benefit, such as improvement in survival or symptoms, has not been verified.

About Celgene

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation. Celgene International Sàrl, located in Boudry, in the Canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is a wholly owned subsidiary and international headquarters of Celgene Corporation. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.celgene.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts

Celgene

Investors:

+41 32 729 8303

ir@celgene.com



or

Media:

+41 32 729 8304

media@celgene.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/7556/en

Toshiba Launches Demodulator IC for China Digital Terrestrial and Digital Cable Broadcasts

Achieves high reception performance and low power consumption

TOKYO - Saturday, June 1st 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has launched a demodulator IC for digital terrestrial broadcasts (GB20600-2006: DTMB) and digital cable broadcasts (GY/T 170-2001: DVB-C) in the Chinese market. Samples are available now with mass production scheduled to start this summer.

The new demodulator IC, TC90518FTG, uses Toshiba's original multipath1 cancelling technology and achieves industry-leading-class2 reception performance under long-delay multipath conditions of +/-300usec. This makes it possible to realize stable reception in environments that may cause a long-delay multipath, such as in single frequency networks (SFN)3. The new product also achieves industry-leading2 low power consumption, 98mW (typ.), which can contribute to lower power consumption by the broadcasting equipment.


Main Specifications

Part Number
         

TC90518FTG

Supply Voltage
         

Internal core: 1.1±0.1V, I/O block: 3.3±0.3V

Package
         

VQFN64 9mm × 9mm × 0.9mm

DTMB demodulation
         

• Supports all 330 DTMB modes • Built-in multipath canceller

DVB-C demodulation
         

• Auto detection of symbol rate, modulation format, spectrum polarity • Supports 0.5~7.5Mbaud symbol rate

Interface
         

• Input :IQ baseband, low IF, standard IF • Output: serial and parallel MPEG-2 transport stream


Notes

1:
         

A reflected wave, mainly caused by structures such as buildings and mountains, that can interfere with reception.

2:
         

As of May 31, 2013. Toshiba data.

3:
         

Single Frequency Network relays broadcast signals using a single frequency. It improves frequency utility but can also cause a long-delay multipath that may lead to reception interference.
           

Follow this link for more on this product. http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/assp/dtmb/dtmb.html

Customer Inquiries:

Mixed Signal Controller Group

Tel: +81-44-548-2821


Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.


About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130530006686/en/

Contacts

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Koji Takahata, +81-3-3457-4963

semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Quintiles Releases Perspectives on Early Phase Oncology and Hematology Biomarkers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C - Saturday, June 1st 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In advance of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Quintiles today announced the release of its perspective on two areas of focus for clinical oncologists – the impact of patient selection in early-phase studies and the use of biomarkers in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

The first of these reports, Tomorrow’s Path to Improved Early-Phase Oncology Drug Development, explores the importance of key elements to maximize quality and efficiency of go/no-go decisions in early-phase studies. As the understanding of the biology of cancer becomes more sophisticated and generates more opportunities, fundamental challenges caused by the complexities of this group of diseases are becoming more evident. Molecular profiling and leveraging molecular selection of patients has the potential to significantly improve the quality of early decisions in oncology drug development.

“By identifying a well defined group of patients with a particular molecular biological profile, we have the potential to make more efficient decisions on product candidates at the earliest possible stage,” said Philip Breitfeld, M.D., vice president and therapeutic strategy head, Quintiles. “As the cost of oncology drug development rises, the use of targeted therapies represents a path toward more precise treatment approaches that would drive down costs, timelines and failure rates.”

The second report,Biomarkers: Recent Advances in their Application to the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies, presents a point of view on the value of biomarkers in the early detection and stratification of groups at risk for aggressive disease to improve the overall survival rates associated with late stage diagnosis.

Hematopoietic malignancies, which include a heterogeneous group of diseases such as multiple myeloma, lymphomas and leukemias, are characterized based on the appearance of the cells as well as demonstrating the presence or absence of certain cell surface proteins (Cluster of Differentiation or CD markers), characteristic chromosomal abnormalities, and by the identification of particular genetic mutations.

“While the use of biomarkers is widely supported and the hope of early detection is promising, few biomarkers have been identified or clinically validated for the early detection, progression or risk assessment for such malignancies,” said Harish Dave, M.D., MBA, vice president, global medical strategy head, hematology and oncology, oncology therapeutic area, Quintiles. “Recent advances in understanding of these malignancies and the advent of high-throughput technologies have the potential to facilitate rigorous translational research toward the discovery, development and clinical validation of novel biomarkers.”

About Quintiles

Quintiles (NYSE: Q) is the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services with a network of more than 27,000 employees conducting business in approximately 100 countries. We have helped develop or commercialize all of the top-50 best-selling drugs on the market. Quintiles applies the breadth and depth of our service offerings along with extensive therapeutic, scientific and analytics expertise to help our customers navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment as they seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of better healthcare outcomes.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for Quintiles.

Contacts

Quintiles

Mari Mansfield, + 1-919-998-2639

Media Relations

mari.mansfield@quintiles.com

Mobile: +1-919-259-3298



Karl Deonanan, +1-919-998-2789

Investor Relations

InvestorRelations@quintiles.com

Takeda Highlights Data from Clinical Trial Examining the Use of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Pediatric Patients

– First Presentation of Interim Phase 1/2 Data Reported in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma or relapsed or refractory Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma -

CHICAGO & OSAKA, Japan - Saturday, June 1st 2013 [ME NewsWire]

2013 ASCO Annual Meeting

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) today announced interim data from a Phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter study with ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) in pediatric patients diagnosed with CD30-positive relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or relapsed or refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). Data were presented from the Phase 1 portion of the study, which evaluated the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ADCETRIS. The results were reported during a poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting held May 31 – June 4, 2013 in Chicago, IL.

ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30, a defining marker of classical HL and sALCL.

“This is the first clinical trial examining the use of ADCETRIS in pediatric patients,” said Kathleen Neville, M.D., M.S., Director, Experimental Therapeutics in Pediatric Cancer, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO. “There is an unmet medical need for children diagnosed with relapsed or refractory HL or relapsed or refractory sALCL. We are encouraged by these early results and look forward to reporting data from the Phase 2 portion of the study when they are available.”

Phase I/II Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma or Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Interim Phase I Safety Data

The poster presentation featured interim data from the Phase 1 portion of the study, which evaluated 12 pediatric patients aged 2 to <18 years with relapsed or refractory HL or relapsed or refractory sALCL. The primary endpoints were safety, pediatric MTD and/or RP2D and PK. The secondary endpoint that was reported included overall response rate (ORR) (complete remission (CR) + partial remission (PR)) per Independent Review Facility (IRF) assessment.

Data, presented by Anna R.K. Franklin, M.D., Children's Cancer Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX., included:

    The RP2D for pediatric patients was determined to be 1.8 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg) on an every three week basis
    The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) ≥ Grade 2 were nausea (8 patients), pyrexia (6 patients), upper abdominal pain (4 patients) and paresthesia (4 patients)
    Seven serious AEs (SAEs) of ≥ Grade 3 were reported in 6 patients (50 percent) at 1.8 mg/kg, including pyrexia unrelated to treatment (1 patient), hepatotoxicity and febrile neutropenia (1 patient), anaphylactic reaction (1 patient), supraventricular tachycardia unrelated to treatment (1 patient), pain in extremity (1 patient), and cardiac arrest resulting in death unrelated to treatment (1 patient)
    Two patients who received 1.8 mg/kg of ADCETRIS discontinued treatment due to a drug-related SAE
    PK analyses showed dose-dependent exposure and MMAE release time typical of ADCs
    The ORR of 8 evaluable patients who received the RP2D was 88 percent; the CR rate was 38 percent

The median age of the patients was 14.5 years. Ten patients were diagnosed with relapsed or refractory HL and two patients were diagnosed with relapsed or refractory sALCL. Participants received a median of 7 cycles (range, 1–14) of ADCETRIS by intravenous infusion once every 21 days starting with 1.4 mg/kg escalating to 1.8 mg/kg.

Details of the poster presentation are as follows:

    Poster session on June 1, 2013 at 1:15 PM CT
    Poster discussion on June 1, 2013 from 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM CT in Hall S A2
    Poster: #36C
    First author: Kathleen Neville, M.D., Children’s Mercy Hospital Hematology/Oncology, Kansas City, MO

This clinical trial is part of the Pediatric Investigational Plan approved by the Pediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency. The Phase 2 portion of the study is ongoing and results will be presented at a later date. For more information about the trial please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) is the first and only targeted CD30 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being evaluated in a variety of CD30-expressing malignancies including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). The ADC utilizes Seattle Genetics’ proprietary technology, which employs a linker system designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

ADCETRIS was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission in October 2012 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive HL: (1) following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), or (2) following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option. ADCETRIS is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL. ADCETRIS also received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in Switzerland and Korea.

ADCETRIS was granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2011 for two indications: (1) the treatment of patients with HL after failure of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not ASCT candidates, and (2) the treatment of patients with sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The indications for ADCETRIS are based on response rate. There are no data available demonstrating improvement in patient-reported outcomes or survival with ADCETRIS.

Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company and Seattle Genetics are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and the Takeda Group has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and the Takeda Group are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where the Takeda Group is solely responsible for development costs.

About Hodgkin Lymphoma Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell. The Reed-Sternberg cell expresses CD30.

About Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ALCL is a type of aggressive T-cell lymphoma, comprising about 3 percent of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in adults and between 10 and 30 percent of all NHL in children. There are two distinct forms/types of ALCL, including primary cutaneous ALCL and systemic ALCL (sALCL). sALCL is a clinically aggressive, systemic lymphoma that primarily involves lymph nodes.

About Takeda Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com.

U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in patients receiving ADCETRIS.

Contraindication: Concomitant use of ADCETRIS and bleomycin is contraindicated due to pulmonary toxicity.

Warnings and Precautions:

    Peripheral neuropathy: ADCETRIS treatment causes a peripheral neuropathy that is predominantly sensory. Cases of peripheral motor neuropathy have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced peripheral neuropathy is cumulative. Treating physicians should monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or weakness and institute dose modifications accordingly.
    Infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an infusion reaction occurs, the infusion should be interrupted and appropriate medical management instituted. If anaphylaxis occurs, the infusion should be immediately and permanently discontinued and appropriate medical management instituted.
    Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts prior to each dose of ADCETRIS and consider more frequent monitoring for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, manage by dose delays, reductions or discontinuation. Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS.
    Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden are at risk of tumor lysis syndrome and these patients should be monitored closely and appropriate measures taken.
    Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture or brain biopsy. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.
    Stevens-Johnson syndrome: Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported with ADCETRIS. If Stevens-Johnson syndrome occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.
    Use in pregnancy: Fetal harm can occur. Pregnant women should be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Adverse Reactions: ADCETRIS was studied as monotherapy in 160 patients in two phase 2 trials. Across both trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%), regardless of causality, were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, pyrexia, rash, thrombocytopenia, cough and vomiting.

Drug Interactions: Patients who are receiving strong CYP3A4 inhibitors concomitantly with ADCETRIS should be closely monitored for adverse reactions.

For additional important safety information, including Boxed WARNING, please see the full U.S. prescribing information for ADCETRIS at www.ADCETRIS.com.

Editor’s Note: This press release is also available under the Media section of the Company’s website at: www.millennium.com/InTheNews.aspx.

Contacts

Millennium

Lindsay Treadway, +1-617-444-3383

lindsay.treadway@mpi.com



Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Corporate Communications Dept. (PR/IR)

+81-3-3278-2037






ISACA Issues COBIT 5 for Assurance

New Guide Helps Enterprises Perform Business-relevant Assessments

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill - Thursday, May 30th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Establishing confidence in IT processes and controls is important, but audit and assurance processes often represent a pain point for business partners. Their perception is that assurance processes consume resources, slow activities and can lead to additional work—all to achieve goals they may not understand. ISACA’s new COBIT 5 for Assurance bridges the gap by translating assurance activities into a common language that is meaningful to business and technology partners and ties assessment goals directly to business goals. Building on the globally recognized COBIT 5 framework, COBIT 5 for Assurance provides practical guidance for unifying business, IT and assurance professionals around a shared approach when planning and performing assurance reviews.

COBIT 5 for Assurance helps enterprises enable efficient and effective IT assurance activities so they can have a level of comfort in the processes they are following and how they are managing risk. It provides a defined road map based on internationally accepted assurance approaches.

“Enterprises can use COBIT 5 for Assurance to benefit from the consistency, structure, context and vocabulary of the COBIT 5 framework,” said Tony Noble, CISA, chair of the publication’s development team and vice president of IT audit at Viacom. “When assurance professionals base their reviews on the same framework used by business and IT managers to maximize the value of information and technology, everyone involved will be using a common language and have a common goal.”

COBIT 5 for Assurance is designed for internal and external auditors, audit committees and regulators, as well as boards and business management. It offers example audit/assurance programs related to change management, risk management and BYOD. This latest guide is part of the COBIT 5 family of publications, which also includes COBIT 5 for Information Security.

“The governance and management of information and technology is a large and complex topic. COBIT helps counter that complexity through relevant, effective and simple-to-use business guidance on specific areas within information systems. COBIT 5 for Assurance provides the assurance-specific perspective of this important business framework, and was designed in response to heavy demand for audit and assurance guidance using the proven, structured approach of COBIT 5,” said Greg Grocholski, CISA, international president of ISACA and global business finance director for the Ventures and Business Development unit within The Dow Chemical Company.

ISACA’s COBIT 5 is a business framework for the governance and management of enterprise information and technology. It provides globally accepted principles, practices, analytical tools and models designed to help business and IT leaders maximize trust in and value from their enterprise’s information and technology assets.

COBIT 5 for Assurance is available for purchase at www.isaca.org/cobit5assurance. The COBIT 5 framework is a free download.

About ISACA

With 100,000 constituents in 180 countries, ISACA® (www.isaca.org) is a global association providing knowledge, certifications and advocacy related to information systems assurance, security, governance and risk management.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISACANews

Contacts

ISACA

Kristen Kessinger, +1.847.660.5512

news@isaca.org



ExxonMobil Singapore Chemical Plant Expansion in Operation

• Production achieved at second ethylene steam cracker • Production of other products increasing


SINGAPORE - Thursday, May 30th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ExxonMobil’s Singapore Chemical Plant is now producing ethylene from the facility’s second world-scale steam cracker.

The expansion is integrated with the existing petrochemical plant. Over the next few weeks, the petrochemical complex, powered by a 375-megawatt cogeneration plant, will increase production at its three polyethylene plants, two polypropylene plants, a specialty metallocene elastomers unit and the expanded oxo-alcohol and aromatics units.

"This expansion gives ExxonMobil unparalleled feedstock flexibility in the industry and positions the Singapore petrochemical complex well to serve growth markets from China to the Indian sub-continent and beyond," said Matthew Aguiar, chairman and managing director, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. "We are committed to meeting the regional demand for petrochemical products and to contributing to Singapore’s growth."

ExxonMobil completed construction of the expansion in December 2012 and is producing commercial grades of new products, such as specialty metallocene elastomers, for the first time in the Asia Pacific region. It also set an industry-leading record in construction safety with more than 83 million hours worked without an injury involving a lost day of work.

"We successfully completed the commissioning of the steam cracker and we are now focused on ensuring that the plant operates safely and reliably," said Georges Grosliere, venture executive and manufacturing director of the Singapore Chemical Plant, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. "The scale and complexity of this expansion project, which doubled the steam-cracking capacity, demanded a strong focus on safety, operational integrity and discipline."

ExxonMobil has operated in Singapore for 120 years and is one of Singapore’s largest foreign manufacturing investors. The company has expanded refining and petrochemical production in Singapore to meet expected demand for transportation fuels and the chemicals used for plastics and other manufacturing across the Asia Pacific region.

About ExxonMobil Chemical Company

ExxonMobil Chemical Company is one of the world’s premier petrochemical companies with manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations around the world. The company delivers a broad portfolio of products and solutions efficiently and responsibly, with a commitment to create outstanding customer and shareholder value. ExxonMobil Chemical Company endorses the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance economic growth, social development and environmental considerations. To learn more, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com.

Contacts

ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Singapore)

Karen Wong, (+65) 6885-8275 or (+65) 9652-7198



ExxonMobil (Houston, USA)

Chemical Media Line, +1-281-870-6607







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/7545/en

SIR-Spheres® microspheres as Effective and Safe in the Elderly as they are in Younger Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases According to Data Released at ASCO Annual Meeting

CHICAGO - Friday, May 31st 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Results from the first, large multi-center study evaluating Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) with SIR-Spheres® microspheres in patients ages 70 years and older were released today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. According to investigators, the use of SIR-Spheres microspheres in elderly patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (mCRC) appears to be as effective and well-tolerated as in younger patients.1 The findings were released by lead investigator of the MORE study, Andrew S. Kennedy, M.D., F.A.C.R.O., Director, Radiation Oncology Research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, Tenn.

“Many standard chemotherapy regimens are either not offered to elderly patients or are given at lower, potentially less effective levels due to the perception or existence of data indicating that elderly patients cannot tolerate these drugs,” noted Dr. Kennedy. “As a result, this population of patients has been left without effective treatment options.”

Due to the minimally invasive nature of Y-90 microsphere therapy, Dr. Kennedy and researchers hypothesized that SIRT may provide an effective treatment option for older patients without the concerns of side effects often seen with chemotherapy.

“The outcomes of this study are significant since the oncology community has long struggled to understand the best approach for treating older patients with inoperable liver tumors,” added Kennedy. “The fact that we were able to show in this study that out-patient treatment sessions with SIRT are equally as effective in elderly patients compared to those who are younger is an important development. However, the real key takeaway is that SIRT was just as well-tolerated in patients ages 70 and older. Too many times we undertreat this patient population or they themselves choose to forgo treatment due to concerns about quality of life.”

Part of the landmark MORE study, this retrospective analysis evaluated clinical outcomes among 160 elderly (≥70 years) and 446 younger (<70 years) patients with unresectable mCRC consecutively treated using SIR-Spheres microspheres from July 2002 to December 2011 at 11 U.S. institutions. Regardless of age, patients were similar in terms of sex, race, performance status and other characteristics.

Outcomes between both cohorts were similar following treatment with SIR-Spheres microspheres. Median overall survival in elderly patients was 9.3 months compared to 9.7 in the younger group. The treatment was equally well-tolerated in both age groups, with no significant increase in grade 3+ adverse events in elderly patients. The most common grade 3+ events were abdominal pain and fatigue. Investigators also noted that a sub-analysis of the oldest patients in the study (98 patients ≥75 years) compared to younger patients also confirmed equivalent outcomes for survival and toxicity.

“People are not only living longer, but they are living longer with a better quality of life. To offer an outpatient procedure with minimal side effects compared to potentially toxic chemotherapy options is a tremendous benefit,” said Mike Mangano, President of Sirtex Medical Inc. “This study shows that there is an equal opportunity to improve survival time and quality of life in this group of patients. Our goal is to use these findings to help generate meaningful conversations among the oncology community, elderly patients and caregivers to help make the best decisions regarding treatment.”

Media Note

Dr. Kennedy is available at ASCO for media interviews. Additionally, Mike Mangano, President of Sirtex Medical Inc., can speak to the implications of the study. To schedule a briefing please contact Elizabeth Romero at elizabeth.romero@fleishman.com.

____________________ 1 Kennedy AS, Ball D, Steven J. Cohen SJ et al. Safety and efficacy of resin 90Y-microspheres in elderly (≥70 years) compared to younger patients with colorectal liver metastases (mCRC). ASCO 2013; Abs. #e14545.

About Selective Internal Radiation Therapy using SIR-Spheres microspheres

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), also known as radioembolization, is a proven technology for inoperable liver cancer that delivers doses of radiation directly to the site of tumors. In a minimally invasive treatment, millions of radioactive SIR-Spheres microspheres are infused via a catheter into the liver where they selectively target liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy, while sparing healthy tissue.

Clinical studies have confirmed that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with SIR-Spheres microspheres have response rates higher than with other forms of treatment, resulting in increased life expectancy, greater periods without tumor activity and improved quality of life. SIRT has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone.

SIR-Spheres microspheres are approved for use in Australia, the United States of America (FDA PMA approval), the European Union (CE Mark) and Argentina (ANMAT). Additionally, SIR-Spheres microspheres are supplied in countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Israel, and Turkey. Available at more than 600 treatment centers, over 34,000 doses of SIR-Spheres microspheres have been supplied worldwide.

For more information, visit www.sirtex.com.

SIR-Spheres® is a registered trademark of Sirtex SIR-Spheres Pty Ltd

Contacts

Sirtex Medical Inc.

Elizabeth Romero, 919-457-0749

Elizabeth.Romero@fleishman.com