Onyx Pharmaceuticals Announces Data Presentations of Carfilzomib and ONX 0912 at 47th American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

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May 18, 2011, 08:31 ET

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONXX) today announced the presentation of several studies evaluating carfilzomib, a selective, next-generation proteasome inhibitor, and ONX 0912, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in hematological cancers at the 47th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, June 3-7, 2011 in Chicago, IL.

"The data that will be presented at ASCO continue to support carfilzomib's potential as a new treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma," said Ted W. Love, M.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development and Technical Operations at Onyx Pharmaceuticals. "We are committed to bringing carfilzomib to patients as quickly as possible, and are on track to complete the submission of the carfilzomib New Drug Application (NDA) in the July to August timeframe for potential accelerated approval in the U.S."

Carfilzomib data highlights include:

Interim results from PX-171-006, a phase (Ph) II multicenter dose expansion study of carfilzomib (CFZ), lenalidomide (LEN), and low-dose dexamethasone (loDex) in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM)

Dr. Michael Wang, Anderson Cancer Center
Saturday, June 4, 2011, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., E354a
General Poster Session – Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Disorders
Abstract #8025

The effect of carfilzomib in patients (Pts) with bortezomib (BTZ)-naive relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM): Updated results from the PX-171-004 study

Dr. Keith Stewart, Mayo Clinic
Saturday, June 4, 2011, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., E354a
General Poster Session – Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Disorders
Abstract #8026

PX-171-003-A1, an open-label, single-arm, phase (Ph) II study of carfilzomib (CFZ) in patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM): Long-term follow-up and subgroup analysis

Dr. David Siegel, Hackensack University Medical Center
Saturday, June 4, 2011, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., E354a
General Poster Session – Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Disorders
Abstract #8027

Phase II study of carfilzomib (CFZ) in combination with current agents for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Jackie Szymonifka, Massachusetts General Hospital
Saturday, June 4, 2011, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., E354a
General Poster Session – Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Disorders
Abstract #8028

A randomized, multicenter, phase (Ph) III study comparing carfilzomib (CFZ), lenalidomide (LEN), and dexamethasone (Dex) to LEN and Dex in patients (Pts) with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM)

Dr. Philippe Moreau, University Hospital, France
Monday, June 6, 2011, 8:00 – 12:00 p.m., Hall A
Special Session – Trials in Progress Poster Session
Abstract #TPS225

ONX 0912 data highlights include:

A Phase 1, open-label, dose escalation study of the novel oral proteasome inhibitor (PI) ONX 0912 in patients with advanced refractory or recurrent solid tumors

Dr. Kyriakos P. Papadopoulos, South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics (START)
Monday, June 6, 2011, 8:00 – 12:00 p.m., Hall A
General Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics: Clinical Pharmacology and Immunotherapy
Abstract #3075

About the Carfilzomib Development Program

The carfilzomib development program includes a large, randomized international Phase 3 clinical trial, known as the ASPIRE trial, studying the combination of lenalidomide and low dose dexamethasone with or without carfilzomib in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. The company received Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and has an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) on the design and planned analysis of the ASPIRE trial. Carfilzomib is also being evaluated in the Phase 3 European FOCUS trial, which is designed to support a regulatory filing in Europe. Carfilzomib is also being evaluated in a broad investigator sponsored trial program including first-line multiple myeloma, combination studies, lymphoma and other malignancies.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic cancer and results from an abnormality of plasma cells, usually in the bone marrow. In the United States, more than 50,000 people are living with multiple myeloma and approximately 20,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.(i) Worldwide, more than 180,000 people are living with multiple myeloma and approximately 86,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.(ii)

About Onyx Pharmaceuticals

Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of people with cancer. The company, in collaboration with Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is developing and marketing Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets, a small molecule drug that is currently approved for the treatment of liver cancer and advanced kidney cancer. Additionally, Nexavar is being investigated in several ongoing trials in a variety of tumor types. Beyond Nexavar, Onyx has established a development pipeline of anticancer compounds at various stages of clinical testing, including carfilzomib, a next generation proteasome inhibitor, that is currently being evaluated in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of patients with relapsed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and solid tumors. ONX 0801, an alpha-folate receptor targeted inhibitor of the thymidylate synthase, and ONX 0912, an oral proteasome inhibitor, are currently in Phase 1 testing. For more information about Onyx, visit the company's website at www.onyx-pharm.com.

About Nexavar

Nexavar is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with unresectable liver cancer and for the treatment of patients with advanced kidney cancer. Nexavar inhibits both the tumor cell and tumor vasculature. In preclinical studies, Nexavar has been shown to inhibit members of two classes of kinases thought to be involved in both cell proliferation (growth) and angiogenesis (blood supply) – two important processes that enable cancer growth. These kinases included Raf kinase, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-B, KIT, FLT-3 and RET.

Nexavar is currently approved in 100 countries.

Nexavar is also being evaluated by the companies, international study groups, government agencies and individual investigators.

Important Safety Considerations for Patients Taking Nexavar

Nexavar in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer

Nexavar may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential are advised to avoid becoming pregnant and female patients should also be advised against breastfeeding while receiving Nexavar

Cardiac ischemia and/or myocardial infarction may occur. Temporary or permanent discontinuation of Nexavar should be considered in patients who develop cardiac ischemia and/or myocardial infarction

Gastrointestinal perforation was an uncommon adverse reaction and has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking Nexavar

Uncommon but serious adverse reactions, including keratoacanthomas/squamous cell cancer of the skin and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, have been reported in clinical trials

An increased risk of bleeding may occur following Nexavar administration. If bleeding necessitates medical intervention, consider discontinuation of Nexavar

Hypertension may occur early in the course of treatment. Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks and periodically thereafter and treat, as required

Hand-foot skin reaction and rash are common and management may include topical therapies for symptomatic relief. In cases of any severe or persistent adverse reactions, temporary treatment interruption, dose modification, or permanent discontinuation of Nexavar should be considered. Temporary interruption of Nexavar therapy is recommended in patients undergoing major surgical procedures

Elevations in serum lipase and reductions in serum phosphate of unknown etiology have been associated with Nexavar. Caution is recommended when administering Nexavar with compounds that are metabolized/eliminated predominantly by the UGT1A9 pathway, UGT1A1 pathway (eg, irinotecan), doxorubicin, docetaxel, fluorouracil, and substrates of CYP2B6 and CYP2C8, and CYP3A4 inducers. Concomitant use of carboplatin and paclitaxel with sorafenib resulted in an increase in paclitaxel exposure and an increase in Nexavar exposure. Patients taking concomitant warfarin should be monitored regularly for changes in prothrombin time, INR, or clinical bleeding episodes. Nexavar exposure decreases when coadministered with oral neomycin. Effects of other antibiotics on Nexavar pharmacokinetics have not been studied

Most common adverse reactions reported for Nexavar-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients in unresectable HCC, respectively, were: diarrhea (55% vs 25%), fatigue (46% vs 45%), abdominal pain (31% vs 26%), weight loss (30% vs 10%), anorexia (29% vs 18%), nausea (24% vs 20%), and hand-foot skin reaction (21% vs 3%). Grade 3/4 adverse reactions were 45% vs 32%

Most common adverse reactions reported for Nexavar-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients in advanced RCC, respectively, were: diarrhea (43% vs 13%), rash/desquamation (40% vs 16%), fatigue (37% vs 28%), hand-foot skin reaction (30% vs 7%), alopecia (27% vs 3%), and nausea (23% vs 19%). Grade 3/4 adverse reactions were 38% vs 28%

During postapproval use of Nexavar, the following adverse drug reactions have been identified: angioedema and drug-induced hepatitis, including reports of hepatic failure and death

For information about Nexavar including U.S. Nexavar prescribing information, visit www.nexavar.com or call 1.866.NEXAVAR (1.866.639.2827).

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" of Onyx within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include without limitation, statements regarding the progress and results of the clinical development, safety, regulatory processes, commercialization efforts or commercial potential of carfilzomib. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including risks related to the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Reference should be made to Onyx's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading "Risk Factors" and Onyx's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a more detailed description of such factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this release. Onyx undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date of this release except as required by law.

(i) National Cancer Institute, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results, 2007 Facts and Figures

(ii) International Agency for Research on Cancer, GLOBOCAN 2002 database

SOURCE Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.