FDA Accepts Genentech’s Biologics License Application for Fixed-dose Subcutaneous Combination of Perjeta and Herceptin for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer - Seite 2

In previous studies of other SC formulations, SC administration has been shown to be strongly preferred by the majority of patients compared to IV administration of the same medicine, with the most common reason being that administration required less time in the clinic. In the PHranceSCa study, Genentech is currently investigating patient preference for SC administration of the FDC compared to standard IV administration of Perjeta and Herceptin in people with HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC). Interim results of this Phase II study will be presented at a future medical meeting.

About the FeDeriCa study

FeDeriCa is an international, multi-center, two-arm, randomized, open-label, Phase III study evaluating the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of SC injection of the FDC of Perjeta and Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy, compared with standard IV infusion of Perjeta and Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy, in 500 people with HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) who are being treated in the neoadjuvant (before surgery) and adjuvant (after surgery) settings. The primary endpoint of the study is minimum levels of Perjeta in the blood during a given dosing interval (C_trough). Secondary endpoints include safety; minimum levels of Herceptin in the blood during a given dosing interval (C_trough); and total pCR, meaning there is no tumor tissue detectable in the tissue removed at the time of surgery. The safety profile of Perjeta and Herceptin FDC was comparable with that of Perjeta and Herceptin administered intravenously.

About HER2-positive breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, close to 280,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 42,000 will die from the disease in 2020. Breast cancer is not one, but many diseases based on the biology of each tumor. In HER2-positive breast cancer, there is excess HER2 protein on the surface of tumor cells. Approximately 15-20% of breast cancers are HER2-positive based on the result of a diagnostic test.

About the FDC of Perjeta and Herceptin

The FDC of Perjeta and Herceptin is a new SC formulation that combines Perjeta and Herceptin with Halozyme Therapeutics’ Enhanze drug delivery technology.

Trastuzumab in the FDC is the same monoclonal antibody as in IV Herceptin and pertuzumab in the FDC is the same monoclonal antibody as in IV Perjeta. The mechanisms of action of Perjeta and Herceptin are believed to complement each other as both bind to the HER2 receptor, but in different locations. The combination of Perjeta and Herceptin is thought to provide a more comprehensive, dual blockade of the HER signaling pathways.