TAGRISSO® (osimertinib) demonstrated overwhelming efficacy benefit for patients with unresectable, Stage III EGFR-mutated lung cancer in LAURA Phase III trial

Rhea-AI Summary

AstraZeneca's TAGRISSO shows significant progression-free survival benefit in Stage III lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations, positioning it as a potential targeted treatment option. The LAURA Phase III trial results indicate a favorable trend in overall survival, with TAGRISSO demonstrating impactful clinical benefit in a potentially curative setting. Safety and tolerability profiles remain consistent, with ongoing investigations in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.

Oncology Doctor

The recent findings from the LAURA Phase III trial regarding AstraZeneca's TAGRISSO® (osimertinib) are significant within the field of oncology, particularly for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (EGFRm). The observed improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) suggests that osimertinib could offer a valuable treatment option for patients with unresectable, Stage III disease post-chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This is particularly crucial, as Stage III NSCLC patients have limited options and a high likelihood of disease progression and metastasis to the brain. The safety profile consistency and no new concerns further support its potential use in this setting.

Understanding the importance of these results requires a grasp of the disease's aggressiveness and the current gap in targeted therapies for this patient subset. The potential of osimertinib to become the first targeted treatment in this context could change the standard of care, providing a new avenue for disease management and possibly improving overall survival rates, which is a key metric in cancer treatment efficacy.

Medical Research Analyst

From a research perspective, the statistical significance and clinical meaningfulness of the PFS improvement are paramount. These results may influence future clinical guidelines and treatment pathways. Additionally, the ongoing assessment of overall survival (OS) as a secondary endpoint will be critical to fully understand the long-term benefits of osimertinib in this setting. The global prevalence of EGFR mutations in NSCLC underscores the potential widespread impact of these findings.

It is also noteworthy that TAGRISSO® is being investigated in various stages of lung cancer, including the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, indicating AstraZeneca's strategic approach to covering the entire treatment continuum for EGFRm NSCLC. The approval of TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy in the US based on the FLAURA2 Phase III trial demonstrates regulatory confidence in its efficacy and safety, which could be a precursor to further approvals contingent on LAURA trial outcomes.

Market Research Analyst

The positive trial results are likely to have a substantial impact on AstraZeneca's market positioning, particularly within the oncology segment. As the first EGFR inhibitor to show a PFS benefit in Stage III NSCLC, TAGRISSO® could see increased adoption and market share in this niche. The potential expansion of its indications to include earlier stages of lung cancer treatment could further solidify its role in oncology treatment regimens and drive revenue growth for AstraZeneca.

Investors should monitor the upcoming medical meeting where the data will be presented, as well as the interactions with global regulatory authorities, which could signal the timeline and likelihood of expanded approvals. The broader implications for the stock market hinge on AstraZeneca's ability to capitalize on these results, the competitive landscape of lung cancer treatments and the company's overall pipeline strength and strategy in targeting early treatment across different cancer types.

First EGFR inhibitor and targeted treatment to demonstrate progression-free survival benefit in Stage III setting

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Positive high-level results from the LAURA Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca’s TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) demonstrated a statistically significant and highly clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with unresectable, Stage III epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) compared to placebo after CRT.

Overall survival (OS) data showed a favorable trend for TAGRISSO, although data were not mature at the time of this analysis. The trial will continue to assess OS as a secondary endpoint.

Each year an estimated 2.4 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer globally with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer.^1-3 Approximately 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% of patients in Asia, have EGFR mutations.^4-7 More than one in six patients with NSCLC are diagnosed with unresectable Stage III disease (15%).⁸

Suresh Ramalingam, MD, Executive Director of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, US, and principal investigator in the trial, said: “These results represent a major advance for patients with Stage III EGFR-mutated lung cancer who have a high propensity for early progression and spread to the brain, and where no targeted therapy is available. LAURA shows osimertinib can provide impactful clinical benefit and could become the first targeted treatment option for patients with Stage III disease.”

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “These highly impactful results for the LAURA trial in this potentially curative early lung cancer setting further entrench TAGRISSO as the backbone therapy for EGFR-mutated lung cancer. These data together with the ADAURA data, reinforce the imperative to diagnose and treat patients with lung cancer as early as possible.”

The safety and tolerability of TAGRISSO in the LAURA trial was consistent with its established profile and no new safety concerns were reported with TAGRISSO maintenance treatment following CRT.

The data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities.

In addition, TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy was recently approved in the US based on the FLAURA2 Phase III trial.

As part of AstraZeneca’s ongoing commitment to treating patients as early as possible in lung cancer, TAGRISSO is also being investigated in the neoadjuvant setting in the NeoADAURA Phase III trial with results expected later this year, and in the early-stage adjuvant resectable setting in the ADAURA2 Phase III trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO
• Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis occurred in 4% of the 1813 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.4% of cases were fatal. In the FLAURA2 study, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of the 276 patients who received TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy; 0.4% of cases were fatal. Withhold TAGRISSO and promptly investigate for ILD in patients who present with worsening of respiratory symptoms which may be indicative of ILD (eg, dyspnea, cough and fever). Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed
• Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation occurs in TAGRISSO-treated patients. Of the 1813 TAGRISSO monotherapy-treated patients in clinical trials, 1.1% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 4.3% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. Of the 276 patients treated with TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy in the FLAURA2 study, 1.8% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 10.5% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. No QTc-related arrhythmias were reported. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy occurred in 3.8% of the 1813 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. In the FLAURA2 study, cardiomyopathy occurred in 9% of the 276 patients who received TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy; 1.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. A decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥10% from baseline and to <50% LVEF occurred in 4.2% of 1557 patients who had baseline and at least one follow-up LVEF assessment. In the ADAURA study, 1.5% (5/325) of TAGRISSO-treated patients experienced LVEF decreases ≥10% from baseline and a drop to <50%. In the FLAURA2 study, 8% (21/262) of patients treated with TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, who had baseline and at least one follow-up LVEF assessment, experienced LVEF decreases ≥10% and a drop to less than 50%. For patients receiving TAGRISSO monotherapy, conduct cardiac monitoring in patients with cardiac risk factors, including assessment of LVEF at baseline and during treatment. For patients receiving TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, conduct cardiac monitoring in all patients, including assessment of LVEF at baseline and during treatment. Assess LVEF in patients who develop relevant cardiac signs or symptoms during treatment. For symptomatic congestive heart failure, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO
• Keratitis was reported in 0.6% of 1813 patients treated with TAGRISSO monotherapy in clinical trials. Promptly refer patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of keratitis (such as eye inflammation, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eye) to an ophthalmologist
• Postmarketing cases consistent with erythema multiforme major (EMM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if EMM, SJS, or TEN is suspected and permanently discontinue if confirmed
• Postmarketing cases of cutaneous vasculitis including leukocytoclastic vasculitis, urticarial vasculitis, and IgA vasculitis have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if cutaneous vasculitis is suspected, evaluate for systemic involvement, and consider dermatology consultation. If no other etiology can be identified, consider permanent discontinuation of TAGRISSO based on severity
• Aplastic anemia has been reported in patients treated with TAGRISSO in clinical trials (0.06% of 1813) and postmarketing. Some cases had a fatal outcome. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia including but not limited to, new or persistent fevers, bruising, bleeding, and pallor. If aplastic anemia is suspected, withhold TAGRISSO and obtain a hematology consultation. If aplastic anemia is confirmed, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO. Perform complete blood count with differential before starting TAGRISSO, periodically throughout treatment, and more frequently if indicated
• Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TAGRISSO. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 6 weeks after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose
• Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from TAGRISSO, women should not breastfeed during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 2 weeks after the final dose
• Most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were:
  • TAGRISSO monotherapy: leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, diarrhea, rash, musculoskeletal pain, neutropenia, nail toxicity, dry skin, stomatitis, and fatigue
  • TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, rash, diarrhea, stomatitis, nail toxicity, dry skin, and increased blood creatinine

INDICATIONS

• [TAGRISSO is indicated as adjuvant therapy after tumor resection in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test]
• [TAGRISSO is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test]
• [TAGRISSO is indicated in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test]
• [TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy]

Please see complete Prescription Information, including Patient Information for TAGRISSO.

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Notes

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths.¹ Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer.² The majority of all NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease.⁶

Patients with EGFRm NSCLC are particularly sensitive to treatment with an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) which blocks the cell-signaling pathways that drive the growth of tumor cells.¹⁰

LAURA

LAURA is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, global Phase III trial in patients with unresectable, Stage III EGFRm NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following definitive platinum‑based CRT. Patients were treated with TAGRISSO 80mg once daily oral tablets until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or other discontinuation criteria were met. Upon progression, patients in the placebo arm were permitted to be treated with TAGRISSO.

The trial enrolled 216 patients in more than 145 centers across more than 15 countries, including in the US, Europe, South America and Asia. This is the analysis of the primary endpoint of PFS. The trial is ongoing and will continue to assess the secondary endpoint of OS.

TAGRISSO

TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI with proven clinical activity in NSCLC, including against central nervous system metastases. TAGRISSO (40mg and 80mg once-daily oral tablets) has been used to treat more than 800,000 patients across its indications worldwide and AstraZeneca continues to explore TAGRISSO as a treatment for patients across multiple stages of EGFRm NSCLC.

TAGRISSO is approved as monotherapy in more than 100 countries including in the US, EU, China and Japan. These include for 1st-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC, locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, and adjuvant treatment of early-stage (IB, II and IIIA) EGFRm NSCLC, where TAGRISSO recently demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful OS benefit.

There is an extensive body of evidence supporting the use of TAGRISSO in EGFRm NSCLC. TAGRISSO is the only targeted therapy to improve patient outcomes in both early-stage disease in the ADAURA Phase III trial and late-stage disease in the FLAURA Phase III trial and FLAURA2 Phase III trial.

The Company is also researching ways to address tumor mechanisms of resistance through the SAVANNAH and ORCHARD Phase II trials, and the SAFFRON Phase III trial, which test TAGRISSO plus savolitinib, an oral, potent and highly selective MET TKI, as well as other potential new medicines.

AstraZeneca in lung cancer

AstraZeneca is working to bring patients with lung cancer closer to cure through the detection and treatment of early-stage disease, while also pushing the boundaries of science to improve outcomes in the resistant and advanced settings. By defining new therapeutic targets and investigating innovative approaches, the Company aims to match medicines to the patients who can benefit most.

The Company’s comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including TAGRISSO and gefitinib; durvalumab and tremelimumab-aclt; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; savolitinib in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action.

AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment.

AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca.

References

1. World Health Organisation. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/15-trachea-bronchus-and-lung-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed February 2024.
2. LUNGevity Foundation. Types of Lung Cancer. Available at: https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101/types-of-lung-cancer. Accessed February 2024.
3. American Cancer Society. What Is Lung Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html#:~:text=About%2080%25%20to%2085%25%20of,(outlook)%20are%20often%20similar. Accessed February 2024.
4. Knight SB, et al. Progress and prospects of early detection in lung cancer. Open Biol. 2017;7(9): 170070.
5. Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2011:29;2121-27.
6. Zhang Y, et al. The prevalence of EGFR mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2016;7(48).
7. Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing on Cytological and Histological Samples in 11. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Polish, Single Institution Study and Systematic Review of European Incidence. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013:6;2800-12.
8. Cerner CancerMPact database. Accessed October 2023.
9. Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2011:29;2121-27.
10. Ellison G, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing in Lung Cancer: a Review of Available Methods and Their Use for Analysis of Tumour Tissue and Cytology Samples. J Clin Pathol. 2013:66;79-89.
11. Cross DA, et al. AZD9291, an Irreversible EGFR TKI, Overcomes T790M-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2014;4(9):1046-1061.

US-86165 Last Updated 02/24

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FAQ

What is the significance of TAGRISSO in the LAURA Phase III trial?

TAGRISSO demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival for Stage III lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations.

What are the key findings from the LAURA trial regarding overall survival data?

The LAURA trial showed a favorable trend in overall survival with TAGRISSO, although the data were not mature at the time of analysis.

What are the estimated global lung cancer diagnosis numbers and the prevalence of EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients?

Approximately 2.4 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer globally each year, with 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% in Asia having EGFR mutations.

Who is the principal investigator in the LAURA Phase III trial?

Suresh Ramalingam, MD, Executive Director of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, US, is the principal investigator in the LAURA trial.

What approvals and ongoing investigations are related to TAGRISSO?

TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy was recently approved in the US based on the FLAURA2 Phase III trial. Ongoing investigations include trials in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.