AVT04: An Ustekinumab Biosimilar.

AVT04 (Uzpruvo®) is a biosimilar of the reference anti-interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 monoclonal antibody ustekinumab. It is approved in the EU for plaque psoriasis, paediatric plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease as per the reference product. AVT04 has similar physicochemical characteristics to those of reference ustekinumab, and the pharmacokinetic similarity of the agents has been shown in healthy volunteers and patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. AVT04 demonstrated clinical efficacy similar to that of reference ustekinumab in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, and was generally well tolerated in this population. The tolerability, safety and immunogenicity profiles of AVT04 were similar to those of reference ustekinumab, and switching from reference ustekinumab to AVT04 had no impact on efficacy, safety or immunogenicity. The role of reference ustekinumab in the management of inflammatory diseases is well established and AVT04 provides an effective biosimilar alternative for patients requiring ustekinumab therapy.

Relugolix/Estradiol/Norethisterone Acetate: A Review in Endometriosis-Associated Pain.

An oral fixed-dose combination of relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone (also known as norethindrone) acetate [Myfembree® (USA); Ryeqo® (EU)] (hereafter referred to as relugolix combination therapy) has been approved in the USA for the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal women and in the EU for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis in adult women of reproductive age with a history of previous medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist relugolix decreases estradiol and progesterone levels, while the addition of estradiol/norethisterone acetate mitigates hypoestrogenic effects including bone mineral density (BMD) loss and vasomotor symptoms. In two pivotal phase III trials, relugolix combination therapy significantly improved dysmenorrhoea and non-menstrual pelvic pain in premenopausal women with moderate to severe endometriosis. The combination also reduced overall pelvic pain and dyspareunia, reduced analgesic and opioid use, and improved health-related quality of life. The efficacy of relugolix combination therapy was sustained over the longer term (up to 2 years). Relugolix combination therapy was generally well tolerated and BMD loss over time was minimal. With the convenience of a once daily oral dosing regimen, relugolix combination therapy is a valuable addition to the options currently available for the management of endometriosis-associated pain.

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and may reach other organs. This causes chronic pain as a result of increased inflammation and scar tissue. Women with endometriosis may experience painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain between periods, pain during sex, painful bowel movements and painful urination. Recently, a fixed-dose tablet comprising relugolix, estradiol and norethisterone (also known as norethindrone) acetate [Myfembree^® (USA); Ryeqo^® (EU)] (hereafter referred to as relugolix combination therapy) has been approved to treat endometriosis-associated pain. The treatment works by decreasing levels of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone). In clinical trials, relugolix combination therapy improved period pain and pain between periods in women with moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. The treatment also improved other symptoms (overall pelvic pain and pain during sex), reduced the need for pain medications and improved health-related quality of life. Relugolix combination therapy was generally well tolerated and caused minimal bone loss, which is known to occur with some hormone therapies. With the convenience of a once daily oral pill, relugolix combination therapy is a valuable addition to the options currently available for women with endometriosis-associated pain.

Tremelimumab: A Review in Advanced or Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Tremelimumab (tremelimumab-actl; Imjudo®) is a monoclonal antibody and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that blocks cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). A single, priming dose of intravenous tremelimumab is used in combination with durvalumab, an ICI that blocks programmed cell-death ligand 1, in a regimen known as STRIDE (Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab). STRIDE is approved for the treatment of adults with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the USA and Japan and for the first-line treatment of adults with advanced or unresectable HCC in Europe. In the phase III HIMALAYA trial, STRIDE significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared with sorafenib in adults with unresectable HCC and no prior systemic therapy. A higher proportion of STRIDE versus sorafenib recipients had an objective response to treatment. The OS benefit associated with STRIDE was sustained with 4 years' follow-up. STRIDE had a manageable safety profile that differed from that of sorafenib. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in a lower proportion of STRIDE versus sorafenib recipients. Based on the available evidence, tremelimumab used as part of the STRIDE regimen is a valuable first-line agent that expands the treatment options available to patients with advanced or unresectable HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC is commonly associated with cirrhosis linked to chronic viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Tremelimumab (tremelimumab-actl; Imjudo^®) is a type of immunotherapy that helps the body's immune system attack HCC cells by binding to and blocking the action of an immune-checkpoint protein called cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4. A single dose of intravenous tremelimumab is used in combination with treatment with durvalumab, in a regimen known as STRIDE (Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab), for adults with unresectable HCC in the USA and Japan and as a first-line treatment for adults with advanced or unresectable HCC in the EU. In patients with unresectable HCC, STRIDE improved overall survival more than sorafenib, including at 4 years' follow-up. A higher proportion of patients responded to treatment with STRIDE compared with sorafenib. STRIDE had manageable adverse events. Tremelimumab used as part of the STRIDE regimen is a valuable first-line agent that expands the treatment options available to patients with HCC that is advanced or unable to be removed with surgery.

Befotertinib: First Approval.

Befotertinib (Surmana®) is an orally administered, highly selective, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) being developed by Betta Pharmaceuticals and InventisBio for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In May 2023, befotertinib was approved in China for the second-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have received EGFR TKI therapy and have disease progression with positive EGFR T790M mutation. Befotertinib is under regulatory review for the first-line treatment of NSCLC in China. Clinical studies assessing befotertinib as an adjuvant therapy after surgery for early EGFR-mutant NSCLC (phase III) and in combination with icotinib for advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC (phase II) are currently underway in China. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of befotertinib leading to this first approval for the second-line treatment of EGFR T790M-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

Ritlecitinib: First Approval.

Ritlecitinib (LITFULO™), an orally administered kinase inhibitor, is being developed by Pfizer for the treatment of alopecia areata, vitiligo, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. On 23 June 2023, ritlecitinib received approval in the USA for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. Ritlecitinib was approved in Japan on 26 June 2023 for the treatment of alopecia areata (limited to intractable cases involving widespread hair loss). Ritlecitinib has also received a positive opinion in the EU and is under regulatory review in the UK and China. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of ritlecitinib leading to this first approval for severe alopecia areata.

Efbemalenograstim Alfa: First Approval.

Efbemalenograstim alfa (Ryzneuta®) is a subcutaneously administered recombinant fusion protein that is being developed by Evive Biotech for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. On 6 May 2023, efbemalenograstim alfa was approved in China for reducing the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in adult patients with non-myeloid malignant tumours who are treated with myelosuppressive anticancer drugs that are prone to cause febrile neutropenia. Efbemalenograstim alfa is under regulatory review for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in the EU and the USA. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of efbemalenograstim alfa leading to this first approval for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: A Review in Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate approved in several countries, including the USA and those of the EU, for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have previously received at least one prior anti-HER2-based regimen. In a pivotal phase 3 trial in this setting, intravenous trastuzumab deruxtecan demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival compared with trastuzumab emtansine (previously the recommended second-line therapy in this indication). Trastuzumab deruxtecan had a generally manageable safety and tolerability profile. Common treatment-related adverse events included haematological and gastrointestinal disorders. Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis is associated with a regulatory warning and requires careful monitoring. In conclusion, trastuzumab deruxtecan is a valuable new treatment option for HER2-positive breast cancer, having been shown to be effective with a generally manageable safety and tolerability profile in adults with unresectable or metastatic disease who have received one or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies have improved HER2-positive breast cancer outcomes in recent years. Despite this, almost all patients will eventually experience disease progression (cancer growth or spread). Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu^®) is an intravenously administered treatment that combines a drug that is toxic to cells and an antibody that targets it to HER2-expressing cells. It has been approved in several countries for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have previously received one or more anti-HER2-based therapies. In a pivotal clinical trial, trastuzumab deruxtecan showed longer survival without disease progression than trastuzumab emtansine (the previously recommended treatment after first disease progression). Trastuzumab deruxtecan had a generally manageable safety and tolerability profile. The most common classes of adverse events were blood and gastrointestinal disorders. Fatal events of interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with trastuzumab deruxtecan and patient monitoring is required. Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a valuable new option for patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received at least one prior anti-HER2-based regimen.

Abemaciclib: A Review in Early Breast Cancer with a High Risk of Recurrence.

Abemaciclib [Verzenio® (USA) or Verzenios® (EU)] is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor approved in combination with adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-), node-positive, early breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence. In a phase III trial, abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy reduced the risk of recurrence of breast cancer compared with endocrine therapy alone, including in patients who had previously received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in patients with high- and low-scoring Ki-67 tumours, and in both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. The tolerability profile of abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy was acceptable and manageable, with diarrhoea, infections and neutropenia being the most common adverse events. Thus, abemaciclib in combination with standard endocrine therapy is a valuable additional treatment option for patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive early breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence.

In patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) cancers, endocrine therapy is often used to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence after successful initial treatment; however, in a subset of patients, recurrence rates can remain high. In a pivotal phase III trial, the addition of abemaciclib [Verzenio^® (USA) or Verzenios^® (EU)] to standard endocrine therapy significantly reduced the rate of breast cancer recurrence compared with endocrine therapy alone in patients with HR+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2−), node-positive early breast cancer who were at a high risk of recurrence. Benefit was seen in both patients with characteristics that are associated with higher risk (premenopausal, high Ki-67 scores, previously received neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and comparatively lower risk of recurrence (postmenopausal, low Ki-67 scores). Diarrhoea, infections and neutropenia were the most common adverse events in patients receiving abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy. The overall tolerability of abemaciclib was acceptable. The addition of abemaciclib to endocrine therapy is a valuable therapeutic option for adjuvant therapy in high-risk patients with HR+, HER2−, node-positive early breast cancer.

Valoctocogene Roxaparvovec: First Approval.

Valoctocogene roxaparvovec (ROCTAVIAN™) is a gene therapy being developed by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. for the treatment of haemophilia A. In August 2022, valoctocogene roxaparvovec was granted conditional marketing authorization in the EU for the treatment of severe haemophilia A [congenital factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency] in adults without a history of FVIII inhibitors and without detectable antibodies to adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5). This article summarizes the milestones in the development of valoctocogene roxaparvovec leading to this first approval for severe haemophilia A.

Onasemnogene Abeparvovec: A Review in Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) is a gene therapy approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Administered as a one-time intravenous infusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec uses the adeno-associated virus vector to deliver a functional copy of the human survival motor neuron (SMN) gene to motor neuron cells. SMN1 encodes survival motor neuron protein, which is responsible for the maintenance and function of motor neurons. In clinical trials, onasemnogene abeparvovec improved event-free survival, motor function and motor milestone outcomes in patients with SMA, with these improvements maintained over the longer term (up to a median of ≈ 5 years). Onasemnogene abeparvovec was also associated with rapid age-appropriate achievement of motor milestones and improvements in motor function in children with pre-symptomatic SMA, indicating the benefit of early treatment. Onasemnogene abeparvovec was generally well tolerated. Hepatotoxicity is a known risk that can generally be mitigated with prophylactic prednisolone. In conclusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec represents an important treatment option for patients with SMA, particularly when initiated early in the course of the disease.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and wasting. Infants with SMA type 1, the most common form of the disease, are unable to sit without support and usually die before the age of 2 years if untreated. SMA is caused by a defect in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. This gene provides instructions for making survival motor neuron protein, which is essential for the health and normal function of the nerves that control muscles. Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma^®) is a gene therapy that replaces the missing SMN1 gene and is given as a one-time infusion into a vein. In patients with SMA, onasemnogene abeparvovec improved event-free survival (alive without breathing support), motor function and achievement of motor milestones. Patients maintained these improvements for up to ≈ 5 years after treatment. Onasemnogene abeparvovec also helped pre-symptomatic children reach motor milestones at ages similar to healthy children. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is generally well tolerated and is an important treatment option for patients with SMA, including those who are yet to develop symptoms.

Daratumumab: A Review in Newly Diagnosed Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis.

Subcutaneous daratumumab (DARZALEX®) co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase (DARZALEX FASPRO®) is approved in several countries, including the USA and those of the EU, for use in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Daratumumab is a CD38-targeting, human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody. In the pivotal phase III ANDROMEDA trial in adults with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis, the addition of daratumumab to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving a haematological complete response relative to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone alone (primary endpoint). Daratumumab combination therapy produced rapid and deep haematological responses which were associated with improved major organ deterioration progression-free survival (PFS). The addition of daratumumab also led to higher cardiac and renal response rates at 6 and 12 months. Daratumumab had an acceptable tolerability profile when used as combination therapy. Therefore, daratumumab in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone represents an important emerging first-line treatment option for patients with systemic AL amyloidosis.

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding disease that causes serious damage to different organs, especially the heart and kidneys. Daratumumab (DARZALEX^®) is a human monoclonal antibody that targets CD38, a protein expressed on clonal plasma cells. A subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab, co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase (DARZALEX FASPRO^®), is approved for use in adult patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. When used in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone, daratumumab was associated with higher rates of haematological complete response and prolongation of major organ deterioration PFS compared with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone alone. The addition of daratumumab was also associated with near doubling of cardiac and renal response rates at 6 and 12 months. Subcutaneous daratumumab had an acceptable tolerability profile when used as combination therapy, with no new safety concerns. The combination of daratumumab with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone is an important emerging treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis.

Hexanic Extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon®): A Review in Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

The hexanic extract (HE) of Serenoa repens (Permixon®) is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The drug is the n-hexane lipidosterolic extract of the American dwarf palm tree (also known as saw palmetto). The anti-inflammatory activity of HE S. repens has been demonstrated in vitro, in vivo and in men with prostatic inflammation. In randomized clinical trials, the efficacy of HE S. repens was similar to that of an α-blocker in terms of improving voiding and storage symptoms, increasing urinary flow rate and reducing prostate volume in men with BPH. HE S. repens was also as effective as 5α-reductase inhibitors and/or α-blockers at improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life (QOL) in real-world observational studies. HE S. repens was generally well tolerated, with a lesser impact on male sexual function compared with other available therapies. Thus, HE S. repens is a useful option for the treatment of symptomatic BPH.

BPH (enlargement of the prostate gland) compresses the urethra, leading to uncomfortable LUTS such as difficulty starting a urine stream, weak flow, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, urgency, and waking at night to urinate. To avoid side effects often associated with other available treatments such as 5α-reductase inhibitors and α-blockers, plant extracts like HE Serenoa repens (Permixon^®) are commonly used to treat the symptoms of BPH. HE S. repens is derived from a small palm tree native to America and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in prostate inflammation. In clinical studies, HE S. repens was as effective as an α-blocker at improving urinary symptoms, increasing urinary flow rate and reducing prostate volume in men with BPH. In real-world studies, HE S. repens was as effective as 5α-reductase inhibitors and/or α-blockers at improving LUTS and QOL. European guidelines recommend HE S. repens as a treatment option for men with LUTS who want to avoid any potential side effects, especially those related to sexual function. HE S. repens was generally well tolerated, and is a useful option for the treatment of symptomatic BPH.

Ofatumumab: A Review in Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Ofatumumab (Kesimpta®) is a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that can be self-administered by patients and is approved in several countries worldwide for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In two identical phase III trials in adults with relapsing forms of MS, subcutaneous ofatumumab was more effective than oral teriflunomide in reducing the annualized relapse rate, as well as reducing MRI-detected lesion activity and limiting worsening of disability. Ofatumumab had a generally manageable tolerability profile; the most common adverse events (AEs) included nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. AEs of special interest (AESIs) included infections and injection-related reactions, which were generally manageable. There was no apparent association between changes in immunoglobulin G or M levels and the risk of serious infections after 3.5 years of ofatumumab treatment. Thus, ofatumumab is a convenient treatment option that is effective and has a generally manageable tolerability profile in adults with relapsing forms of MS.

MS is an incurable disease that affects ≈ 2.8 million people worldwide. Limiting the progression of disability associated with this disease is crucial, and treatments such as teriflunomide or monoclonal antibodies can prevent the relapses which define MS. Ofatumumab (Kesimpta^®), a monoclonal antibody, works by reducing the level of B cells which contribute to the development and progression of MS. Ofatumumab is approved in several countries worldwide to treat adults with certain relapsing forms of MS. It is administered by subcutaneous injection once per month and is the first therapy of its kind that patients can self-inject at home. In clinical trials, ofatumumab was more effective than teriflunomide in reducing the annual relapse rate, as well as slowing both the progression of disability and formation of new MS lesions in the brain. Ofatumumab had a generally manageable tolerability profile, although treatment resulted in infections and injection-related reactions; these were generally manageable with treatment. Thus, ofatumumab is an effective and convenient treatment option, with a generally manageable tolerability profile, in adults with relapsing forms of MS.

Sotorasib: First Approval.

Sotorasib (LUMAKRAS™) is a RAS GTPase family inhibitor being developed by Amgen for the treatment of solid tumours with KRAS mutations, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer. In May 2021, sotorasib was granted accelerated approval by the US FDA for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of sotorasib leading to this first approval for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC.

Bupivacaine/Meloxicam Prolonged Release: A Review in Postoperative Pain.

Prolonged-release (PR; as ascribed in the EU) or extended-release (as ascribed in the USA) bupivacaine/meloxicam (HTX-011; hereafter referred to as bupivacaine/meloxicam PR; Zynrelef®) is a synergistic fixed-dose combination (FDC) of the local anaesthetic bupivacaine and the NSAID meloxicam. It is approved in the EU and the USA to treat postoperative pain. After needle-free application at the surgical site, the novel polymer technology allows simultaneous diffusion of bupivacaine and meloxicam over 72 h. In clinical trials, bupivacaine/meloxicam PR significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption relative to bupivacaine hydrochloride (HCl) and placebo in patients undergoing bunionectomy, herniorrhaphy or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). When used as the foundation of a scheduled non-opioid multimodal analgesia (MMA) regimen, bupivacaine/meloxicam PR further improved pain control and reduced the need for opioids following surgery. Bupivacaine/meloxicam PR was generally well tolerated, with a lower incidence of opioid-related adverse events than bupivacaine HCl and placebo. Although additional data would be beneficial, current evidence indicates that bupivacaine/meloxicam PR is a promising non-opioid treatment option for the management of postoperative pain.

Poorly managed pain after surgery can lead to decreased quality of life, longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications. Perioperative local anaesthetics are commonly used to manage postoperative pain, but these drugs have a short duration of action. Bupivacaine/meloxicam PR (Zynrelef^®) is a long-acting FDC of the local anaesthetic bupivacaine and the NSAID meloxicam approved for the treatment of postoperative pain. Following application without a needle into the surgical site, the active ingredients are simultaneously released for ≈ 3 days. Bupivacaine/meloxicam PR significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption and increased the proportion of opioid-free patients following bunionectomy, herniorrhaphy and TKA. When used as the foundation of a scheduled non-opioid MMA regimen, bupivacaine/meloxicam PR further reduced pain and the need for opioids. Bupivacaine/meloxicam PR had a similar tolerability profile to those of bupivacaine hydrochloride and placebo, with a lower incidence of opioid-related adverse events. Bupivacaine/meloxicam PR is a promising non-opioid treatment option for managing postoperative pain.

Secukinumab: A Review in Psoriatic Arthritis.

Secukinumab (Cosentyx®) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin (IL)-17A, a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Administered subcutaneously, the first-in-class anti-IL-17 agent is approved in numerous countries worldwide for the treatment of adults with active PsA. In the phase III FUTURE trials, secukinumab 150 or 300 mg improved the clinical signs and symptoms of PsA versus placebo in patients with active disease despite previous treatment with NSAIDs, biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and/or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). The benefits of secukinumab were seen regardless of whether or not patients had received previous TNFi therapy, and were maintained during longer term (up to 5 years) treatment. In FUTURE 1 and 5, secukinumab inhibited structural joint damage and was associated with sustained low rates of radiographic progression through 1-3 years of treatment. Treatment with secukinumab improved physical function and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) and was generally well tolerated, both in the short- and longer-term. In the head-to-head EXCEED trial, secukinumab did not quite attain statistical significance for superiority versus adalimumab in the joint domain. In conclusion, secukinumab is effective across all key PsA domains and is generally well tolerated, and thus represents a useful treatment alternative to TNFi and other bDMARDs in adult patients with active PsA.

Venetoclax: A Review in Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

Venetoclax (Venclexta®; Venclyxto®) is a first-in-class, oral, selective inhibitor of B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2). In several countries, including the USA and those of the EU, venetoclax is indicated in combination with obinutuzumab for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Approval was based on the results of the phase III CLL14 trial in patients with previously untreated CLL and co-existing conditions. In this study, fixed-duration (12 months) targeted treatment with venetoclax + obinutuzumab resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) relative to fixed-duration chemoimmunotherapy with chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. Venetoclax + obinutuzumab was also associated with significantly higher rates of undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD), complete response and overall response than chlorambucil + obinutuzumab. Improvements in clinical outcomes with venetoclax + obinutuzumab were maintained during long-term follow-up, when all patients had been off treatment for ≥ 2 years. No significant between-group difference was observed in overall survival (OS). Venetoclax had an acceptable tolerability profile. Notable adverse events such as grade 3 or 4 neutropenia can be managed with supportive therapy and venetoclax dose modifications. In conclusion, fixed-duration venetoclax + obinutuzumab represents an important chemotherapy-free first-line treatment option for patients with CLL, particularly those who are not fit enough to receive intensive chemoimmunotherapy.

Gilteritinib: A Review in Relapsed or Refractory FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Gilteritinib (Xospata®), a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is approved in several countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in adults with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations. In this patient population, oral gilteritinib significantly improved overall survival (OS) and the response rate for complete remission with full or partial haematological recovery compared with salvage chemotherapy in the phase III ADMIRAL trial. In an integrated safety analysis of patients with relapsed or refractory AML, the most commonly reported grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in gilteritinib recipients included anaemia, febrile neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Clinically relevant AEs of special interest (AESIs) with gilteritinib therapy included differentiation syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, QT interval prolongation and pancreatitis. AEs, including AESIs, were generally manageable with dose reduction, interruption or discontinuation. All patients of reproductive potential should use contraception during gilteritinib treatment due to the risk of embryo-foetal toxicity. Given its convenient oral regimen, along with the poor prognosis and paucity of treatment options for adults with relapsed or refractory FLT3-mutated AML, gilteritinib represents a valuable first-line targeted monotherapy in these patients.

Lenalidomide: A Review in Previously Treated Follicular Lymphoma.

Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) is a targeted immunomodulatory drug with multiple mechanisms of action. In the USA and the EU, oral lenalidomide is indicated in combination with rituximab or a rituximab product for the treatment of patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma. In the pivotal, phase III AUGMENT trial, lenalidomide + rituximab significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) relative to placebo + rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with the PFS benefit appearing to be specific to patients with follicular lymphoma and extending to elderly patients with this subtype. Lenalidomide + rituximab also demonstrated activity in an interim analysis of the phase III MAGNIFY trial in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including those with rituximab-refractory disease. Lenalidomide had an acceptable tolerability profile. Although grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred more frequently with lenalidomide + rituximab than with placebo + rituximab, this was generally well managed with dosage adjustments and growth factor support. In conclusion, lenalidomide in combination with rituximab represents an important new treatment option for previously treated follicular lymphoma, including patients whose disease has become refractory to rituximab.