U.S. FDA Grants Full Approval to Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI Combination Regimen in First-Line Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Key Terms
progression-free survival medical
overall survival medical
objective response rate medical
metastatic colorectal cancer medical
braf v600e mutation medical
mfolfox6 medical
folfiri medical
- The BRAFTOVI combination regimen is the only approved targeted regimen for first-line BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer
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Pivotal results from the Phase 3 portion with mFOLFOX6 of the BREAKWATER trial demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant
51% risk reduction in death and a47% risk reduction in disease progression or death compared to chemotherapy treatment with or without bevacizumab - Expanded indication enables flexibility to use BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and different fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens
BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was granted accelerated approval by the FDA in December 2024 based on objective response rate (ORR) results, one of the BREAKWATER trial’s dual primary endpoints. The conversion from accelerated approval to full approval is based on significant benefit in outcomes for both progression-free survival (PFS), the trial’s other primary endpoint, and overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, from the Phase 3 portion of the study that evaluated BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, as well as the ORR results from the Cohort 3 portion of the study, which evaluated BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI.
“This landmark approval, achieved through the robust clinical benefit demonstrated in the BREAKWATER trial, validates that this targeted therapy can impact outcomes for people living with an aggressive, hard-to-treat cancer,” said Aamir Malik, Executive Vice President, Chief
“This approval gives oncologists confidence to use encorafenib plus cetuximab in combination with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy as a first-line standard of care for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,” said Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, Professor and Deputy Chair of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and co-principal investigator of the BREAKWATER trial. “The BREAKWATER study demonstrated that these targeted combination regimens provided statistically significant benefit, providing the robust evidence we need to make treatment decisions that can meaningfully impact patient outcomes.”
In the BREAKWATER study, the safety profile of both combination regimens continued to be consistent with the known safety profile of each respective agent in the regimen. No new safety signals were identified. The most common side effects (≥
Among patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6,
The BRAFTOVI combination regimen with mFOLFOX6 is also under regulatory review in
About BREAKWATER
BREAKWATER is a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial of BRAFTOVI with cetuximab, alone or in combination with mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI (both fluorouracil-based chemotherapies) in participants with previously untreated BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC.
Phase 3 Analysis: BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6:
Patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab (discontinued after randomization of 158 patients), BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (n=236) or mFOLFOX6, FOLFOXIRI, or CAPOX, with or without bevacizumab (control arm) (n=243). The dual primary endpoints for these study groups are ORR and PFS as assessed by BICR. OS is a key secondary endpoint.
At the time of the PFS primary analysis, BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by
Cohort 3 Analysis: BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI:
In Cohort 3, patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI (n=73) or FOLFIRI, with or without bevacizumab (control arm) (n=74). The primary endpoint of Cohort 3 is ORR as assessed by BICR. PFS is a key secondary endpoint; OS is a secondary endpoint summarized descriptively.
BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in confirmed ORR assessed by BICR compared to patients receiving FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab (
About Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world, with approximately 1.8 million new diagnoses in 2022.1 It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.2 Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.2 In the
BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8
About BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib)
BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E. Inappropriate activation of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK) has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including CRC.
Pfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI in the
INDICATION AND USAGE
BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test.
Limitations of Use: BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF CRC.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI for recommended dosing and additional safety information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
New Primary Malignancies: New primary malignancies, cutaneous and noncutaneous, can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, the following cutaneous malignancies occurred in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6: melanocytic nevus in
Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors: In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation using an FDA-authorized test prior to initiating BRAFTOVI.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan prior to initiating treatment, 1 month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. The safety has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 increases in liver function laboratory tests in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was
Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage can occur. In the BREAKWATER trial, hemorrhage occurred in
Uveitis: Uveitis, including iritis and iridocyclitis, has been reported in patients treated with BRAFTOVI. In BREAKWATER, the incidence of uveitis among patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was
QT Prolongation: BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation in some patients. In the BREAKWATER trial, an increase of QTcF >500 ms was measured in
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: BRAFTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. BRAFTOVI can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Risks Associated with Combination Treatment: BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI. Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI for additional risk information.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Infertility: Advise males of reproductive potential that BRAFTOVI may impair fertility.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6
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Serious adverse reactions occurred in
46% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Serious adverse reactions in >3% of patients included intestinal obstruction (4.7% ), pyrexia (3.9% ), sepsis (3.4% ), and abdominal pain (3.4% ) -
Fatal intestinal obstruction occurred in
0.9% , and fatal large intestinal perforation and gastrointestinal perforation occurred in0.4% (each) in patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 -
Most common adverse reactions (≥
25% , all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI ± bevacizumab or CAPOX ± bevacizumab), and a subset of the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab), respectively were: peripheral neuropathy (64% vs53% and57% ), nausea (54% vs50% and44% ), fatigue (53% vs41% and45% ), diarrhea (42% vs50% and44% ), decreased appetite (38% vs27% and30% ), rash (36% vs6% and5% ), vomiting (36% vs22% and17% ), hemorrhage (34% vs21% and15% ), abdominal pain (32% vs31% and30% ), arthralgia (32% vs6% and7% ), pyrexia (29% vs16% and17% ), and constipation (27% vs23% and25% ) -
Most common laboratory abnormalities (≥
10% , grade 3 or 4) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI ± bevacizumab or CAPOX ± bevacizumab), and a subset of the control arm (mFOLFOX6 ± bevacizumab), respectively were: increased lipase (53% vs28% and23% ), decreased neutrophil count (37% vs35% and33% ), decreased hemoglobin (19% vs6% and7% ), decreased white blood cell count (12% vs8% and6% ), and increased glucose (11% vs2% and1% )
BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC, in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI
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Serious adverse reactions occurred in
39% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI. Serious adverse reactions in >3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (5.6% ) and infusion related reaction (4.2% ) -
Fatal gastrointestinal perforation occurred in
1.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI -
Most common adverse reactions (>
25% , all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and FOLFIRI arm compared to the control arm (FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab) were nausea (61% vs57% ), diarrhea (55% vs49% ), fatigue (47% vs50% ), vomiting (47% vs31% ), alopecia (35% vs22% ), constipation (31% vs29% ), abdominal pain (30% vs22% ), decreased appetite (30% vs32% ), and rash (27% vs1.5% ) -
Most common laboratory abnormalities (≥
10% , grade 3 or 4) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and FOLFIRI arm compared to the control arm (FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab) were: decreased neutrophil count (30% vs32% ), increased lipase (22% vs12% ), decreased white blood cell count (20% vs6% ), and decreased hemoglobin (10% vs3% )
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations.
Dose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI.
Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong QT/QTc interval.
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About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world’s most common cancers, including breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
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Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of February 24, 2026. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) and an approval in the
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results”, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the
ERBITUX® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
References
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- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Last accessed: February 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf. Last accessed: February 2026.
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- Schirripa M, Biason P, Lonardi S, et al. Class 1, 2, and 3BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Detailed Clinical, Pathologic, and Molecular Characterization. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(13):3954-3961. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-0311
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