CARVYKTI shows five-year remission in myeloma study

CHICAGO - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) revealed new data from its CARTITUDE-1 study, indicating that 33% of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) experienced progression-free survival for five years or longer. These results, showcased at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, highlight the potential of CARVYKTI as a long-lasting, single-infusion treatment for multiple myeloma without the need for ongoing therapy.

The study enrolled 97 heavily pre-treated patients with RRMM, out of which 32 remained treatment- and progression-free after five years. These patients had undergone a median of six prior therapies, including those with high-risk cytogenetics and refractory disease. The median overall survival was 60.7 months, emphasizing the durability of CARVYKTI’s response.

Additionally, CARTITUDE-4 data presented at the same meeting demonstrated improved progression-free and overall survival benefits of CARVYKTI across various subgroups, regardless of the number of prior treatments. This aligns with Johnson & Johnson’s goal to transition from treating multiple myeloma to potential cures.

The safety profile of CARVYKTI remained consistent over the longer follow-up, with no new safety concerns observed. The additional findings from CARTITUDE-4 will also be discussed at the upcoming European Hematology Association Congress.

CARVYKTI, approved by the FDA in February 2022, is a BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy for adults with RRMM who have received at least one prior line of therapy. It works by reprogramming a patient’s T-cells to target and eliminate BCMA-expressing cells, which are commonly found in multiple myeloma.

These developments are based on a press release statement and provide a new perspective on the treatment of multiple myeloma, a typically incurable blood cancer affecting plasma cells within the bone marrow. The results from Johnson & Johnson’s studies suggest a significant advancement in achieving longer remission periods for patients battling this disease.

In other recent news, Johnson & Johnson has reported several significant developments across its pharmaceutical portfolio. The company revealed promising initial results from a Phase 1 trial of its trispecific antibody, JNJ-5322, for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, with an 86.1% overall response rate among patients. Additionally, the Phase 3 ICONIC-TOTAL study on icotrokinra, an investigational oral peptide for plaque psoriasis, showed that 57% of participants achieved clear or almost clear skin at Week 16. In the realm of ulcerative colitis treatment, the Phase 3 QUASAR long-term extension study demonstrated sustained clinical and endoscopic remission in patients treated with TREMFYA® at Week 92, while the ASTRO study highlighted significant clinical remission and endoscopic improvement with TREMFYA® at Week 24.

On the financial front, Leerink Partners downgraded Johnson & Johnson’s stock from Outperform to Market Perform, citing concerns over potential price controls on Darzalex Faspro, a key drug in the company’s portfolio. The firm adjusted its price target to $153 from $169, reflecting a more cautious view of the company’s earnings growth due to these concerns. These recent developments underscore Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing efforts in advancing treatment options across various conditions while navigating financial challenges.

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