Lilly's Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) significantly improved progression-free survival, reducing the risk of progression or death by 80%, versus chemoimmunotherapy in patients with treatment-naïve CLL/SLL
Rhea-AI Summary
Lilly (NYSE: LLY) reported Phase 3 BRUIN CLL-313 results showing pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca) reduced the risk of progression or death by 80% (HR=0.20; 95% CI 0.11–0.37; p<0.0001) versus bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) in treatment‑naïve CLL/SLL without del(17p).
At a median follow-up of 28.1 months, PFS favored pirtobrutinib across pre-specified subgroups. OS is immature but showed an early trend favoring pirtobrutinib (HR=0.257; p=0.0261) despite 52.9% of BR patients crossing over. Safety: Grade ≥3 TEAEs were 40.0% with pirtobrutinib versus 67.4% with BR; fewer dose reductions and discontinuations were reported with pirtobrutinib.
Positive
- Progression-free survival risk reduction of 80% (HR=0.20)
- Median follow-up of 28.1 months for primary analysis
- Grade ≥3 TEAEs lower at 40.0% versus 67.4% with BR
- Fewer TEAE-related discontinuations: 4.3% versus 15.2%
- Efficacy benefit observed across high-risk subgroups (TP53, complex karyotype, unmutated IGHV)
Negative
- Overall survival data remain immature despite an early favorable trend (OS HR=0.257)
- High crossover rate of 52.9% from BR to pirtobrutinib may confound OS assessment
- Trial excluded patients with del(17p), limiting applicability to that subgroup
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LLY is down 1.26% with mixed large-cap pharma peers: ABBV (-1.31%), JNJ (-0.51%), NVS (-2%), NVO (-0.83%), while AZN is up (+1.01%). This points to a stock-specific response amid generally soft sector tone.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 03 | FDA approval | Positive | -1.2% | Expanded Jaypirca indication for relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL after covalent BTK. |
| Nov 24 | Conference data preview | Positive | +3.7% | Upcoming breast cancer data presentations at San Antonio symposium. |
| Nov 24 | Clinical trial update | Positive | +1.0% | Positive Phase 3 Jaypirca CLL data slated for ASH presentations. |
| Nov 19 | Strategic expansion | Positive | +1.9% | Announcement of new Lilly Gateway Labs site in Philadelphia. |
| Nov 18 | Conference participation | Neutral | +0.8% | Planned appearance at Citi’s 2025 Global Healthcare Conference. |
Recent news has typically seen positive or modestly positive price reactions, with one notable divergence on an FDA approval.
Over the last month, LLY has reported several notable developments. On Nov 18, it announced participation in Citi’s healthcare conference, followed by a new Lilly Gateway Labs site on Nov 19, both with positive price reactions. On Nov 24, it flagged upcoming positive Jaypirca Phase 3 CLL data, also with a gain. An expanded FDA approval for Jaypirca on Dec 03 saw a -1.2% move, contrasting with prior positive reactions. Today’s detailed BRUIN CLL‑313 results extend this Jaypirca narrative in treatment‑naïve CLL/SLL.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights compelling Phase 3 BRUIN CLL‑313 results for Jaypirca in treatment‑naïve CLL/SLL, including an 80% reduction in progression or death and favorable safety versus chemoimmunotherapy. It follows prior Jaypirca updates and a recent FDA label expansion, reinforcing Lilly’s CLL strategy. Investors may watch for future overall survival readouts, regulatory decisions on earlier-line use, and how these data integrate with other BTK inhibitors in clinical practice.
Key Terms
progression-free survival medical
overall survival medical
hazard ratio medical
Phase 3 medical
non-covalent medical
Bruton tyrosine kinase medical
chemoimmunotherapy medical
treatment-emergent adverse events medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
The risk reduction observed in BRUIN CLL-313 is among the most compelling observed for a single agent BTK inhibitor in a front-line CLL study
These data will be simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and highlighted in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, and were featured as part of the meeting's press program
These data will be highlighted in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place in
"The results from BRUIN CLL-313 show a significant effect size, among the most pronounced ever observed for a single agent BTK inhibitor in a front-line CLL study," said Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology,
BRUIN CLL-313 is the first prospective, randomized Phase 3 study examining the efficacy and safety of a non-covalent BTK inhibitor, pirtobrutinib, exclusively in patients with treatment-naïve CLL/SLL. BRUIN CLL-313 enrolled 282 patients with previously untreated CLL/SLL without del(17p), who were randomized 1:1 to receive continuous pirtobrutinib monotherapy (n=141) or BR (n=141). Crossover to the pirtobrutinib arm was allowed after independent review committee (IRC)-confirmed disease progression. The efficacy results are based on a July 11, 2025, data cutoff.
At a median follow-up of 28.1 months, the primary endpoint of IRC-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved with pirtobrutinib compared to BR (HR=0.20 [
Overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, remains immature, but a trend favoring pirtobrutinib was observed (HR=0.257 [
The overall safety profile of patients treated with pirtobrutinib in BRUIN CLL-313 was similar to previously reported trials. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in
"These findings support the potential use of pirtobrutinib in certain treatment-naïve patients and underscore its unique position as the only BTK inhibitor to show promise in treating both newly diagnosed patients with CLL or SLL and those who have progressed on a covalent BTK inhibitor," said Jacob Van Naarden, executive vice president and president, Lilly Oncology. "Alongside the recently presented BRUIN-CLL 314 results, we are excited about how collectively these data may advance the therapeutic landscape in treatment-naïve CLL and are hopeful we will receive regulatory approvals for pirtobrutinib in earlier disease settings sometime next year, further expanding treatment options for patients."
Lilly has begun submitting results from BRUIN CLL-313 and BRUIN CLL-314 studies to regulatory authorities with the goal of further expanding Jaypirca's label into earlier lines of therapy.
Lilly is studying Jaypirca in CLL/SLL in multiple Phase 3 studies. Details on the trials can be found by visiting clinicaltrials.gov.
About BRUIN CLL-313
BRUIN CLL-313 is a Phase 3, global, randomized, open-label study of pirtobrutinib versus chemoimmunotherapy (bendamustine plus rituximab) in people with CLL/SLL without 17p deletions who have not been previously treated. The trial enrolled 282 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive pirtobrutinib (200 mg orally, once daily) or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) per labeled doses. BR is a chemoimmunotherapy regimen used in the treatment of CLL. The primary endpoint is PFS as assessed by blinded IRC. Secondary endpoints include investigator and IRC assessed overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), and PFS, OS, time to next treatment (TTNT), safety and tolerability and patient-reported outcomes (PRO).
About Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, formerly known as LOXO-305) (pronounced jay-pihr-kaa) is a highly selective (300 times more selective for BTK versus
About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are forms of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes.4 CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.4 In the U.S., CLL accounts for about one-quarter of the new cases of leukemia and there will be approximately 23,690 new cases of CLL diagnosed this year.4,5 SLL is identical to CLL from a pathologic and immunophenotypic standpoint, with the main difference between them being the location of the cancer cells.4 In CLL, the cancer cells are present in the blood, and in SLL, the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.4
INDICATIONS FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca is indicated for the treatment of
- Adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have previously been treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor.
- Adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical trial benefit in a confirmatory trial.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)
Infections: Fatal and serious infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal) and opportunistic infections occurred in Jaypirca-treated patients. Across clinical trials, Grade ≥3 infections occurred (
Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage has occurred with Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, major hemorrhage (Grade ≥3 bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred (
Cytopenias: Jaypirca can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Across clinical trials, Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including decreased neutrophils (
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in patients taking Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, atrial fibrillation or flutter were reported in
Second Primary Malignancies: Across clinical trials, second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinomas, developed in
Hepatotoxicity, Including Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of DILI, has occurred in patients treated with BTK inhibitors, including Jaypirca. Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases at baseline and throughout Jaypirca treatment. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after Jaypirca, monitor more frequently for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity. If DILI is suspected, withhold Jaypirca. If DILI is confirmed, discontinue Jaypirca.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Jaypirca can cause fetal harm. Administration of pirtobrutinib to pregnant rats caused embryo-fetal toxicity, including embryo-fetal mortality and malformations at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 3-times the recommended 200 mg/day dose. Advise pregnant women of fetal risk and females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after last dose.
Adverse Reactions (ARs) in Patients Who Received Jaypirca
The most common (≥
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Serious ARs occurred in
Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in
Most common ARs (≥
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma from Single-Arm and Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Serious ARs occurred in 47
Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in 3.6
Most common ARs and Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥
Drug Interactions
Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Concomitant use increased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may increase risk of Jaypirca ARs. Avoid using strong CYP3A inhibitors with Jaypirca. If concomitant use is unavoidable, reduce Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.
Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Concomitant use decreased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may reduce Jaypirca efficacy. Avoid using Jaypirca with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If concomitant use with moderate CYP3A inducers is unavoidable, increase Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.
Sensitive CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP3A, P-gp, or BCRP Substrates: Use with Jaypirca increased their plasma concentrations, which may increase risk of ARs related to these substrates for drugs sensitive to minimal concentration changes. Follow recommendations for these sensitive substrates in their approved labeling.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to potential for Jaypirca to cause fetal harm, verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to starting Jaypirca. Presence of pirtobrutinib in human milk is unknown. Advise women to use effective contraception and to not breastfeed while taking Jaypirca and for one week after last dose.
Geriatric Use: In the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies, patients aged ≥65 years experienced higher rates of Grade ≥3 ARs and serious ARs compared to patients <65 years of age.
Renal Impairment: Because severe renal impairment increases pirtobrutinib exposure, reduce Jaypirca dose in these patients according to approved labeling.
PT HCP ISI MCL_CLL Q42025
Please see Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Jaypirca.
About Lilly
Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. P-LLY
© Lilly
Trademarks and Trade Names
All trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are referenced in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about Jaypirca as a treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have been previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor and as a treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor, and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there is no guarantee that planned or ongoing studies will be completed as planned, that future study results will be consistent with study results to date, or that Jaypirca will receive additional regulatory approvals. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.
Endnotes & References
- Mato AR, Shah NN, Jurczak W, et al. Pirtobrutinib in relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies (BRUIN): a phase 1/2 study. Lancet. 2021;397(10277):892-901. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00224-5
- Hanel W, Epperla N. Emerging therapies in mantle cell lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol. 2020;13(1):79. Published 2020 Jun 17. doi:10.1186/s13045-020-00914-1
- Gu D, Tang H, Wu J, Li J, Miao Y. Targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase using non-covalent inhibitors in B cell malignancies. J Hematol Oncol. 2021;14(1):40. Published 2021 Mar 6. doi:10.1186/s13045-021-01049-7
- Mukkamalla SKR, Taneja A, Malipeddi D, et al. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. [Updated Feb 18, 2023]. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470433/
- NCI SEER Program [NIH]. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia—Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Accessed on September 3, 2025. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/clyl.html
Refer to: | Kyle Owens; Owens_Kyle@lilly.com; (332) 259-3932 – (Media) |
Michael Czapar; czapar_michael_c@lilly.com; 317-617-0983 (Investors) |
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company