Enrollment for Pharmacyclics' Phase III study using ibrutinib in CLL patients completed

Apr 23 2013

Pharmacyclics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCYC) announced today that the enrollment target of 350 patients for its Phase III study using ibrutinib monotherapy versus ofatumumab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), (RESONATE™) was achieved on April 3, 2013. As of today, additional 41 patients were screened and are allowed to participate in this study which has now been officially closed to enrollment.

The primary endpoint of this study is to demonstrate a clinically significant improvement in progression-free survival with ibrutinib when compared to ofatumumab. A pre-defined number of progression events will trigger an interim analysis. We would expect to have a read out from the interim analysis during the 1st quarter 2014. If the treatment effect of ibrutinib in comparison to ofatumumab is deemed statistically favorable by an independent review committee a discussion with the FDA and other health authorities for a potential early filing can take place.

"In addition to our outstanding team, we are grateful to the patients, their treating physicians, and the clinical sites for their participation in our RESONATE study and their strong support of the ibrutinib program," said Maria Fardis , Chief of Oncology Operations and Alliances at Pharmacyclics.

Pharmacyclics also announced the completion of enrollment of the planned 110 patients in the Phase II single-arm study using ibrutinib in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who progress after bortezomib therapy and have received at least one prior rituximab-containing chemotherapy regimen, SPARK (MCL2001). This global study is conducted by Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and its primary endpoint is overall response rate, which is scheduled to be evaluated 6 months from the completion of enrollment. Further updates to this study will be provided by Janssen.

As previously announced Pharmacyclics expects to file a New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA for the use of ibrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL prior to year-end. In the time before a potential U.S. marketing approval Pharmacyclics will strive to provide early access to ibrutinib under an Early Access Program (EAP). EAPs are clinical studies and allowed under certain circumstances by the FDA. They are designed to provide a mechanism for access to an investigational drug to treat patients with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition until the time of an anticipated U.S. marketing approval. A multicenter, open-label EAP, conducted by Janssen, will be initiated in the United States with ibrutinib for relapsed or refractory MCL patients. Information about this program is posted and updated on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

"The completion of the enrollment of our first Phase III study with ibrutinib, ahead of schedule, is an important milestone for our clinical development plan and a real achievement for our company," said Bob Duggan CEO and Chairman of Pharmacyclics. "As of today we have initiated 5 Phase III studies together with our partner Janssen and we currently have registered with the US National Institute of Health 28 clinical trials using ibrutinib. Thus far over 1200 patients have been dosed in our studies and we are making excellent progress in the development of this investigational drug, as underscored by the most recent three Breakthrough Therapy Designations we received from the FDA. It is Pharmacyclics' goal to advance science and drug development in the hopes of making a significant difference for the betterment of patients with serious unmet needs, and we are steadily progressing towards that worthy goal."