Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the Food and Drug Administration has approved its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for a once-weekly dosing regimen of its multiple myeloma drug, Kyprolis (carfilzomib), in combination with dexamethasone (Kd). Approval of this more convenient dosing option was based on positive data from the phase III ARROW study. Moreover, the sNDA was granted a priority review designation by the FDA.
The nod comes in just over a month from the date of filing the sNDA late in August. The FDA reviewed the sNDA under the Oncology Center of Excellence Real-Time Oncology Review and Assessment Aid pilot programs, which expedite the review process to ensure safe, fast and effective treatments for patients.
Past data from the ARROW study showed that treatment with the once-weekly Kyprolis regimen at a higher dose of 70 mg/m2 with dexamethasone led to superior overall response rates (ORR) and a progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to the twice weekly regimen, administered at a lower dose of 27 mg/m2 in combination with dexamethasone. Interim data from the program was presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting held in June this year and concurrently published in The Lancet Oncology journal.
The ORR in patients treated with once-weekly Kd70 was 62.9% compared with 40.8% in the twice-weekly dosage arm. Moreover, 7.1% of the refractory patient population achieved complete responses in the once-weekly arm as compared to 1.7% in the twice-weekly arm. The safety profile was comparable between the two regimens with no new adverse events reported.
AMGN stock has rallied 19.4% year-to-date against the industry’s decrease of 1.8%.
Kyprolis recorded sales of $485 million during the first half of 2018, mostly driven by higher demand and a robust uptake in the ex-U.S. markets.
Kyprolisis is approved as a monotherapy as well as in combination with dexamethasone or with Celgene Corporation’s (NASDAQ:CELG) Revlimid (lenalidomide) plus dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in patients, who have received one to three lines of therapy.
Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider
AMGN stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Two other top-ranked stocks in the same sector are Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) and Athersys (NASDAQ:ATHX), both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Ligand’s earnings estimates have been revised 28.4% upward for 2018 and 6.5% for 2019 over the past 60 days. The stock has skyrocketed 95.8% so far this year.
Athersys’ loss-per-share estimates have narrowed 12.5% for 2018 and 4.3% for 2019 over the past 60 days. The stock has gained 16.5% year-to-date.
Best Electric Car Stock? You’ll Never Guess It.
Zacks Research has released a report that may shock many investors. One stock stands out as the best way to invest in the surge to electric cars. And it’s not the one you may think!
Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium battery power is set to shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, revenues that were already at $31 billion in 2016 are expected to blast to over $67 billion by the end of 2022.
See Zacks Best EV Stock Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report
Athersys, Inc. (ATHX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report
