AbbVie Submits for U.S. FDA Approval of Combination Treatment of VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) and Acalabrutinib for Previously Untreated Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the FDA for a novel combination therapy using VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) and acalabrutinib to treat previously untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients.
The submission is supported by the Phase 3 AMPLIFY trial, which demonstrated statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to standard chemoimmunotherapy. If approved, this would be the first all-oral, fixed-duration combination regimen of these drugs for CLL treatment, offering patients the potential benefit of treatment-free periods.
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) ha presentato una domanda supplementare di autorizzazione all'immissione in commercio (sNDA) alla FDA per una nuova terapia combinata con VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) e acalabrutinib destinata al trattamento di pazienti con Leucemia Linfatica Cronica (LLC) non precedentemente trattati.
La richiesta si basa sul trial di fase 3 AMPLIFY, che ha mostrato un miglioramento statisticamente significativo della sopravvivenza libera da progressione rispetto alla chemioterapia immunitaria standard. In caso di approvazione, si tratterebbe del primo regime combinato orale a durata fissa di questi farmaci per la terapia della LLC, offrendo ai pazienti la possibilità di periodi senza trattamento.
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) ha presentado una solicitud suplementaria de nuevo medicamento (sNDA) a la FDA para una novedosa terapia combinada con VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) y acalabrutinib destinada a tratar a pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica (LLC) previamente no tratados.
La presentación está respaldada por el ensayo de fase 3 AMPLIFY, que demostró una mejora estadísticamente significativa en la supervivencia libre de progresión en comparación con la quimioinmunoterapia estándar. Si se aprueba, sería el primer régimen combinado oral y de duración fija de estos medicamentos para el tratamiento de la LLC, ofreciendo a los pacientes la posibilidad de periodos sin tratamiento.
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV)는 이전에 치료받지 않은 만성 림프구성 백혈병(CLL) 환자를 위한 VENCLEXTA®(venetoclax)와 acalabrutinib의 새로운 병용요법에 대해 FDA에 보충 신약 신청서(sNDA)를 제출했습니다.
이 신청은 3상 AMPLIFY 임상시험에 근거하며, 해당 시험은 표준 화학면역요법 대비 무진행 생존율에서 통계적으로 유의한 개선을 입증했습니다. 승인될 경우, 이는 CLL 치료에 있어 첫 번째 경구용 고정 기간 병용 요법이 되어 환자들에게 치료 없는 기간을 제공할 수 있는 잠재적 이점을 제공합니다.
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) a soumis une demande d’autorisation complémentaire (sNDA) à la FDA pour une nouvelle thérapie combinée utilisant VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) et acalabrutinib afin de traiter les patients atteints de leucémie lymphoïde chronique (LLC) non traités auparavant.
Cette soumission s’appuie sur l’essai de phase 3 AMPLIFY, qui a démontré une amélioration statistiquement significative de la survie sans progression par rapport à la chimiothérapie immunologique standard. En cas d’approbation, il s’agirait du premier schéma combiné oral à durée fixe de ces médicaments pour le traitement de la LLC, offrant aux patients la possibilité de périodes sans traitement.
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) hat einen ergänzenden Zulassungsantrag (sNDA) bei der FDA für eine neuartige Kombinationstherapie mit VENCLEXTA® (Venetoclax) und Acalabrutinib zur Behandlung von bisher unbehandelten Patienten mit chronischer lymphatischer Leukämie (CLL) eingereicht.
Die Einreichung stützt sich auf die Phase-3-AMPLIFY-Studie, die eine statistisch signifikante Verbesserung des progressionsfreien Überlebens im Vergleich zur Standard-Chemoimmuntherapie zeigte. Bei Zulassung wäre dies das erste orale Kombinationsregime mit fester Therapiedauer dieser Medikamente zur Behandlung von CLL und würde den Patienten potenziell therapiefreie Intervalle ermöglichen.
- Phase 3 AMPLIFY trial showed statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival
- First potential all-oral, fixed-duration combination therapy for untreated CLL
- Offers patients the possibility of treatment-free periods if approved
- Could be practice-changing in frontline CLL care
- None.
- Combination therapy has potential to be an all-oral, fixed-duration regimen for previously untreated patients with CLL
- Application is supported by data from the Phase 3 AMPLIFY trial that showed statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival vs chemoimmunotherapy
- Regimen offers an opportunity for patients to take time off treatment, an important step toward improved disease management
The submission is based on the positive results from the Phase 3 AMPLIFY trial.1 The combination regimen of VENCLEXTA and acalabrutinib improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated patients with CLL.2
"This FDA submission marks a milestone for CLL treatment with the potential approval for the first oral combination regimen of VENCLEXTA and acalabrutinib for previously untreated patients with chronic blood cancer. This new fixed-treatment duration approach could allow patients the opportunity for time off treatment, if approved, and be potentially practice-changing in frontline CLL care," said Svetlana Kobina, vice president, global medical affairs, oncology, AbbVie.
About the AMPLIFY Study
AMPLIFY is an AstraZeneca-sponsored, global, multi-center Phase 3 trial evaluating VENCLEXTA plus acalabrutinib alone or combined with obinutuzumab versus chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously untreated CLL without del(17p) or TP53 mutation.1
Data presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting showed that the fixed-duration combination regimen of VENCLEXTA and acalabrutinib reduced the risk of disease progression or death by
About VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax)
VENCLEXTA (venetoclax) is a first-in-class medicine that selectively binds and inhibits the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein. In some blood cancers, BCL-2 prevents cancer cells from undergoing their natural death or self-destruction process, called apoptosis. VENCLEXTA targets the BCL-2 protein and works to help restore the process of apoptosis.
VENCLEXTA is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the
VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax)
Uses
VENCLEXTA is a prescription medicine used:
- to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
- in combination with azacitidine, or decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine to treat adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who:
‒ are 75 years of age or older, or
‒ have other medical conditions that prevent the use of standard chemotherapy.
It is not known if VENCLEXTA is safe and effective in children.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about VENCLEXTA?
VENCLEXTA can cause serious side effects, including:
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure, the need for dialysis treatment, and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will do tests to check your risk of getting TLS before you start taking VENCLEXTA. You will receive other medicines before starting and during treatment with VENCLEXTA to help reduce your risk of TLS. You may also need to receive intravenous (IV) fluids into your vein. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for TLS when you first start treatment and during treatment with VENCLEXTA. It is important to keep your appointments for blood tests. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TLS during treatment with VENCLEXTA, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, unusual tiredness, or muscle or joint pain.
Drink plenty of water during treatment with VENCLEXTA to help reduce your risk of getting TLS. Drink 6 to 8 glasses (about 56 ounces total) of water each day, starting 2 days before your first dose, on the day of your first dose of VENCLEXTA, and each time your dose is increased.
Your healthcare provider may delay, decrease your dose, or stop treatment with VENCLEXTA if you have side effects. When restarting VENCLEXTA after stopping for 1 week or longer, your healthcare provider may again check for your risk of TLS and change your dose.
Who should not take VENCLEXTA?
Certain medicines must not be taken when you first start taking VENCLEXTA and while your dose is being slowly increased because of the risk of increased TLS.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VENCLEXTA and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects.
- Do not start new medicines during treatment with VENCLEXTA without first talking with your healthcare provider.
Before taking VENCLEXTA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have kidney or liver problems.
- have problems with your body salts or electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphorus, or calcium.
- have a history of high uric acid levels in your blood or gout.
- are scheduled to receive a vaccine. You should not receive a "live vaccine" before, during, or after treatment with VENCLEXTA, until your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. If you are not sure about the type of immunization or vaccine, ask your healthcare provider. These vaccines may not be safe or may not work as well during treatment with VENCLEXTA.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. VENCLEXTA may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with VENCLEXTA, and you should use effective birth control during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose of VENCLEXTA. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VENCLEXTA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with VENCLEXTA and for 1 week after the last dose.
What should I avoid while taking VENCLEXTA?
You should not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, Seville oranges (often used in marmalades), or starfruit while you are taking VENCLEXTA. These products may increase the amount of VENCLEXTA in your blood.
What are the possible side effects of VENCLEXTA?
VENCLEXTA can cause serious side effects, including:
- Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Low white blood cell counts are common with VENCLEXTA, but can also be severe. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood counts during treatment with VENCLEXTA and may pause dosing.
- Infections. Death and serious infections such as pneumonia and blood infection (sepsis) have happened during treatment with VENCLEXTA. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor and treat you right away if you have a fever or any signs of infection during treatment with VENCLEXTA.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever or any signs of an infection during treatment with VENCLEXTA.
The most common side effects of VENCLEXTA when used in combination with obinutuzumab or rituximab or alone in people with CLL or SLL include low white blood cell counts; low platelet counts; low red blood cell counts; diarrhea; nausea; upper respiratory tract infection; cough; muscle and joint pain; tiredness; and swelling of your arms, legs, hands, and feet.
The most common side effects of VENCLEXTA in combination with azacitidine or decitabine or low-dose cytarabine in people with AML include nausea; diarrhea; low platelet count; constipation; low white blood cell count; fever with low white blood cell count; tiredness; vomiting; swelling of arms, legs, hands, or feet; fever; infection in lungs; shortness of breath; bleeding; low red blood cell count; rash; stomach (abdominal) pain; infection in your blood; muscle and joint pain; dizziness; cough; sore throat; and low blood pressure.
VENCLEXTA may cause fertility problems in males. This may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.
These are not all the possible side effects of VENCLEXTA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
The full
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
About AbbVie in Oncology
At AbbVie, we are committed to transforming standards of care for patients living with difficult-to-treat cancers. We are advancing a dynamic pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of cancer types in both blood cancers and solid tumors. We are focusing on creating targeted medicines that either impede the reproduction of cancer cells or enable their elimination. We achieve this through various, targeted treatment modalities and biology interventions, including small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), immuno-oncology-based therapeutics, multispecific antibody and in situ CAR-T platforms. Our dedicated and experienced team joins forces with innovative partners to accelerate the delivery of potential breakthrough medicines.
Today, our expansive oncology portfolio comprises approved and investigational treatments for a wide range of blood and solid tumors. We are evaluating more than 20 investigational medicines in multiple clinical trials across some of the world's most widespread and debilitating cancers. As we work to have a remarkable impact on people's lives, we are committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. For more information, please visit http://www.abbvie.com/oncology.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
References:
- Study of Acalabrutinib (ACP-196) in Combination With Venetoclax (ABT-199), With and Without Obinutuzumab (GA101) Versus Chemoimmunotherapy for Previously Untreated CLL (AMPLIFY). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03836261. Accessed June 30, 2025.
- Brown JR, Seymour JF, Jurczak W, et al. Fixed-duration acalabrutinib plus venetoclax with or without obinutuzumab versus chemoimmunotherapy for first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Interim analysis of the multicenter, open-label, randomized, Phase 3 AMPLIFY trial. Blood. 2024;144(Suppl 1):1009. Available at: https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/144/Supplement%201/1009/530876/Fixed-Duration-Acalabrutinib-Plus-Venetoclax-with. Accessed July 1, 2025.
- Summary of Product Characteristics for VENCLEXTA (venetoclax).
US Media: Matt Skryja Matt.skryja@abbvie.com | Investors: Liz Shea Liz.shea@abbvie.com |
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