CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & OSAKA, Japan -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) today announced Takeda Canada has received approval from Health Canada for NINLARO™ (ixazomib) capsules in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 7,500 people live with multiple myeloma. The approval was primarily based on the results of the final analysis of the pivotal Phase 3 trial, TOURMALINE-MM1, which demonstrated that NINLARO in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone significantly extended progression-free survival, with a manageable safety profile in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Due to the high unmet need in multiple myeloma, the New Drug Submission for NINLARO was granted a Priority Review by Health Canada.

“Health Canada’s approval of NINLARO represents an important step in Takeda’s unwavering commitment to combat cancer by delivering novel therapies to patients as quickly, effectively and safely as possible,” says Chatrick Paul, General Manager at Takeda Canada. “We are one of the first countries in the world to gain marketing approval to deliver NINLARO as a critical treatment option for multiple myeloma patients. We are pleased that NINLARO – our first oncology prescription medicine in Canada – has a product label that is broad and robust, meaning Canadians living with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma will now have a new effective treatment option available to them in the comfort of their home.”

“Multiple myeloma, a devastating diagnosis for patients and their families, is a complicated disease that requires effective treatment options,” said Dr. Donna Reece, Professor and Director of the Program for Multiple Myeloma and Related Diseases in the Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology at Princess Margaret Hospital/University of Toronto. “The approval of NINLARO offers a much-needed new option for Canadian patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. Its oral delivery may help multiple myeloma patients overcome some of the logistical burdens they may face with current therapies, which are typically administered in-clinic or in-hospital requiring significant travel and time constraints.”

Marketing applications for NINLARO are currently under review by several regulatory authorities around the world.

About NINLARO^TM (ixazomib) capsules

NINLARO^TM (ixazomib) is an oral proteasome inhibitor which is also being studied in multiple myeloma and systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. It was the first oral proteasome inhibitor to enter Phase 3 clinical trials and to receive approval. NINLARO was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2015 following a priority review. In the U.S., NINLARO is indicated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.

Ixazomib was granted orphan drug designation in multiple myeloma in both the U.S. and Europe in 2011 and for AL amyloidosis in both the U.S. and Europe in 2012. Ixazomib received Breakthrough Therapy status by the U.S. FDA for relapsed or refractory systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, a related ultra orphan disease, in 2014.

The comprehensive ixazomib clinical development program, TOURMALINE, further reinforces Takeda’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative therapies for people living with multiple myeloma worldwide and the healthcare professionals who treat them. TOURMALINE includes a total of five ongoing pivotal trials – four investigating every major multiple myeloma patient population and one in light-chain amyloidosis:

• TOURMALINE-MM1, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
• TOURMALINE-MM2, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
• TOURMALINE-MM3, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma following induction therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
• TOURMALINE-MM4, investigating ixazomib vs. placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have not undergone ASCT
• TOURMALINE-AL1, investigating ixazomib plus dexamethasone vs. physician choice of selected regimens in patients with relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis

In addition to the TOURMALINE program, ixazomib is being evaluated in the various therapeutic combinations for various patient populations in investigator initiated studies globally.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, a group of monoclonal plasma cells, or myeloma cells, becomes cancerous and multiplies. These malignant plasma cells have the potential to affect many bones in the body, possibly resulting in compression fractures, lytic bone lesions and related pain. Multiple myeloma can cause a number of serious health problems affecting the bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count, with some of the more common symptoms including bone pain and fatigue, a symptom of anemia. Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer. In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 7,500 people live with multiple myeloma and there are 114,000 new cases globally per year.

NINLARO- GLOBAL INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

Ixazomib is indicated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SPECIAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia has been reported with ixazomib with platelet nadirs typically occurring between Days 14-21 of each 28-day cycle and recovery to baseline by the start of the next cycle. It did not result in an increase in hemorrhagic events or platelet transfusions. Monitor platelet counts at least monthly during treatment with NINLARO and consider more frequent monitoring during the first three cycles. Manage with dose modifications and platelet transfusions as per standard medical guidelines. Adjust dosing as needed.

Gastrointestinal Toxicities

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting have been reported with ixazomib, occasionally requiring use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications, and supportive care. Diarrhea resulted in the discontinuation of one or more of the three drugs in 1% of patients in the NINLARO regimen and < 1% of patients in the placebo regimen. Adjust dosing for severe symptoms.

Pregnancy

NINLARO can cause fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential should not become pregnant while taking NINLARO due to potential hazard to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use contraception during treatment and for an additional 90 days after the final dose of NINLARO. Women using hormonal contraceptives should use an additional barrier method of contraception.

Lactation

It is not known whether NINLARO is excreted in human milk. There could be potential adverse events in nursing infants. Breast-feeding should be discontinued.

SPECIAL PATIENT POPULATIONS

Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the NINLARO starting dose to 3 mg in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Reduce the NINLARO starting dose to 3 mg in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. NINLARO is not dialyzable.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Co-administration of strong CYP3A inducers with NINLARO is not recommended.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥ 20%) in the NINLARO regimen, and greater than in the placebo regimen, were diarrhea (42% vs. 36%), constipation (34% vs. 25%), thrombocytopenia (28% vs. 14%), peripheral neuropathy (28% vs. 21%), nausea (26% vs. 21%), peripheral edema (25% vs. 18%), vomiting (22% vs. 11%), and back pain (21% vs. 16%). Serious adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients included thrombocytopenia (2%) and diarrhea (2%). For each adverse reaction, one or more of the three drugs was discontinued in ≤ 1% of patients in the ixazomib regimen.

Rash occurred in 19% of patients in the ixazomib regimen compared to 11% of patients in the placebo regimen The most common type of rash reported in both regimens included maculo-papular and macular rash. Rash resulted in discontinuation of one or more of the three drugs in < 1% of patients in both regimens. Manage rash with supportive care, dose modification or discontinuation.

Peripheral neuropathy was reported with NINLARO. The most commonly reported reaction was peripheral sensory neuropathy (19% and 14% in the NINLARO and placebo regimens, respectively). Peripheral motor neuropathy was not commonly reported in either regimen (< 1%). Peripheral neuropathy resulted in discontinuation of one or more of the three drugs in 1% of patients in both regimens. Monitor patients for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and adjust dosing as needed.

For US Prescribing Information see https://www.ninlarohcp.com/safety.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com.

Takeda Canada, located in Oakville, Ontario, is the Canadian sales and marketing organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Takeda Canada is transforming to become an agile specialty pharmaceutical company, focusing on gastroenterology and oncology, while continuing to meet a number of important primary care needs. Additional information about Takeda Canada is available at takedacanada.com.

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CONTACT:

Takeda
Canadian Media
Natacha Raphael, +1 905-465-4149
natacha.raphael@takeda.com
or
Japan Media
Tsuyoshi Tada, +81 (0) 3-3278-2417
tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com
or
European Media
Kate Burd, +44 7974 151510
kate.burd@takeda.com
or
Media outside Japan/EU/Canada
Sara Noonan, +1-617-551-3683
sara.noonan@takeda.com