This submission is supported by the pivotal Phase 3 VERITAC-2 clinical trial, results of which were recently presented at the 2025 American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting and published in The New England Journal of Medicine –
– VERITAC-2 data support vepdegestrant as a potential treatment option in patients with ESR1m ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer –
NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), today announced the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with its partner Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), for vepdegestrant for the treatment of patients with ER-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (ER+/HER2-) ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine-based therapy. This submission is based on results from VERITAC-2 (NCT05654623), a global, randomized Phase 3 trial evaluating vepdegestrant versus fulvestrant.
"This milestone comes after an exciting presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting," said John Houston, Ph.D., Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer and President at Arvinas. "We look forward to the NDA review and to the first ever FDA-approved PROTAC ER degrader potentially being available to patients who could benefit from a much needed, new treatment option."
Vepdegestrant is being jointly developed by Arvinas and Pfizer for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer and was granted fast track designation as a monotherapy by the FDA . Results from the VERITAC-2 study were recently presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 Annual Meeting and were selected for the ASCO press briefing and for Best of ASCO. Detailed results were also simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine .
About the VERITAC-2 Clinical Trial
The Phase 3 VERITAC-2 clinical trial ( NCT05654623 ) is a global, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of vepdegestrant (ARV-471) as a monotherapy compared to fulvestrant in patients with ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The trial enrolled 624 patients at sites in 25 countries who had previously received treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy.
Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either vepdegestrant once daily, orally on a 28-day continuous dosing schedule, or fulvestrant, administered intramuscularly on Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 1 and then on Day 1 of each 28-day cycle starting from Day 1 of Cycle 2. In the trial, 43% of patients (n=270) had ESR1 mutations detected. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the ESR1-mutation and intent-to-treat populations as determined by blinded independent central review. Overall survival is the key secondary endpoint.
About Vepdegestrant
Vepdegestrant is an investigational, orally bioavailable PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) protein degrader designed to specifically target and degrade the estrogen receptor (ER). Vepdegestrant is being developed as a potential monotherapy for ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations in the second line-plus setting.
In July 2021, Arvinas announced a global collaboration with Pfizer for the co-development and co-commercialization of vepdegestrant; Arvinas and Pfizer will share worldwide development costs, commercialization expenses, and profits.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted vepdegestrant Fast Track designation as a monotherapy in the treatment of adults with ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine-based therapy.
About Arvinas
Arvinas (Nasdaq: ARVN) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases. Through its PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) protein degrader platform, the Company is pioneering the development of protein degradation therapies designed to harness the body's natural protein disposal system to selectively and efficiently degrade and remove disease-causing proteins. Arvinas is currently progressing multiple investigational drugs through clinical development programs, including vepdegestrant, targeting the estrogen receptor for patients with locally advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer; ARV-393, targeting BCL6 for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; and ARV-102, targeting LRRK2 for neurodegenerative disorders. Arvinas is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. For more information about Arvinas, visit www.arvinas.com and connect on LinkedIn and X .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding: the NDA review and to the first ever FDA-approved PROTAC ER degrader potentially being available to patients who could benefit from a much needed, new treatment option; and vepdegestrant's development as a potential monotherapy for ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with ESR1 mutations in the second line-plus setting. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release, including statements regarding Arvinas' strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "target," "goal," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "look forward," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
Arvinas may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements Arvinas makes as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: whether Arvinas and Pfizer will successfully perform their respective obligations under the collaboration between Arvinas and Pfizer; whether Arvinas and Pfizer will be able to successfully conduct and complete clinical development for vepdegestrant as a monotherapy; whether the VERITAC-2 clinical trial will meet the secondary endpoint for overall survival; risks related to our expectations regarding the potential clinical benefit of vepdegestrant to patients; uncertainties relating to regulatory applications and related filing and approval timelines, including the New Drug Application seeking FDA approval of vepdegestrant and the risk that any regulatory approvals, if granted, may be subject to significant limitations on use or subject to withdrawal or other adverse actions by the applicable regulatory authority; whether FDA or other regulatory authorities will require additional information or further studies, or may fail or refuse to approve or may delay approval of vepdegestrant; whether Arvinas and Pfizer, as appropriate, will be able to obtain marketing approval for and commercialize vepdegestrant and other product candidates on current timelines or at all; Arvinas' ability to protect its intellectual property portfolio; Arvinas' reliance on third parties; whether Arvinas will be able to raise capital when needed; whether Arvinas' cash and cash equivalent resources will be sufficient to fund its foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; and other important factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Arvinas' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect Arvinas' current views with respect to future events, and Arvinas assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Arvinas' views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release.
Contacts
Investors:
Jeff Boyle
+1 (347) 247-5089
Jeff.Boyle@arvinas.com
Media:
Kirsten Owens
+1 (203) 584-0307
Kirsten.Owens@arvinas.com
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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced statistically significant and clinically meaningful survival results from the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial evaluating BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) in combination with cetuximab (marketed as ERBITUX ® ) and mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation. These data will be presented today in an oral presentation (Abstract LBA3500) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO ® ) Annual Meeting and have been simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine .
In a second interim analysis of overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, the BRAFTOVI combination regimen reduced the risk of death by 51% compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.49; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.38, 0.63, p in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 compared to 15.1 months with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (95% CI, 13.7, 17.7). In the primary analysis of progression-free survival (PFS), the BRAFTOVI combination regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 47% compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.68, p
"Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors harbor a BRAF V600E mutation generally face a daunting prognosis, as this aggressive tumor often does not respond well to standard-of-care chemotherapy," said Elena Élez, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain, and co-principal investigator of the BREAKWATER trial. "The BREAKWATER results are the first promising survival outcomes ever reported for BRAF -mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in the first-line setting, representing a practice-changing breakthrough for patients."
CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world 1 BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8-12% of people with mCRC and represent a poor prognosis. 2 The BRAF V600E mutation is the most common BRAF mutation and the risk of mortality in patients with CRC harboring this mutation is more than double that of patients with no known BRAF mutation present. 2-4
"The BRAFTOVI combination helped significantly reduce the risk of disease progression or death, potentially altering the course of disease for people with metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation," said Johanna Bendell, M.D., Chief Oncology Development Officer, Pfizer. "These unprecedented results from the BREAKWATER trial further establish the benefit of the BRAFTOVI combination regimen and its potential to become a new standard-of-care, building on Pfizer's legacy in precision medicine and commitment to delivering breakthrough medicines that help people with cancer live better and longer lives."
The updated objective response rate (ORR) by BICR confirmed the improvement previously observed with the BRAFTOVI combination regimen compared to patients receiving chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (65.7%; 95% CI, 59.4, 71.4 and 37.4%; 95% CI, 31.6, 43.7, respectively). The estimated median duration of response and median time to response were also maintained from the prior primary analysis. Results from the primary analysis of ORR were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium (ASCO GI) and were simultaneously published in Nature Medicine in January 2025. Additional data from a separate arm of the BREAKWATER study evaluating BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab will also be presented at ASCO.
"The risk of death for patients with BRAF V600E -mutant metastatic colorectal cancer is more than double compared to those with no known mutation," said Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance. "These survival outcomes from the BREAKWATER study bring renewed hope to patients and their loved ones, providing the possibility of more time together. We are thrilled to see important cancer research propel us closer to our goal of ending this disease."
At the time of this analysis, the safety profile of BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 continued to be consistent with the known safety profile of each respective agent. No new safety signals were identified. The most common side effects (≥30%) were nausea, anemia, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, neutrophil count decrease, arthralgia, and rash. Among patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, 13.8% experienced an adverse reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation of BRAFTOVI.
The BRAFTOVI combination regimen received accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2024 for patients with BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC based on a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in confirmed ORR in treatment-naïve patients, the study's other dual primary endpoint. 5 Continued approval for this indication is contingent upon verification of clinical benefit. The approval was among the first in the industry to be conducted under the FDA's Project FrontRunner, which seeks to support the development and approval of new cancer drugs for advanced or metastatic disease. The BREAKWATER survival data are being discussed with the U.S. FDA to support potential conversion to full approval in 2025.
Pfizer is continuing its commitment to help non-scientists understand the latest findings with the development of abstract plain language summaries (APLS) for company-sponsored research being presented, which are written in non-technical language. Those interested in learning more can visit www.Pfizer.com/apls to access the summaries.
About BREAKWATER
BREAKWATER is a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial of BRAFTOVI with cetuximab, alone or in combination with mFOLFOX6 in participants with previously untreated BRAF V600E -mutant metastatic CRC. Patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab (discontinued after randomization of 158 patients), BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (n=236) or mFOLFOX6, FOLFOXIRI, or CAPOX each with or without bevacizumab (control-arm) (n=243). The dual primary endpoints are ORR and progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Overall survival is a key secondary endpoint.
About Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world, with approximately 1.8 million new diagnoses in 2022. 1 It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 6 Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. 6 In the U.S. alone, an estimated 154,270 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2025, and approximately 53,000 are estimated to die from the disease each year. 7 For 20% of those diagnosed with CRC, the disease has metastasized, or spread, making it harder to treat, and up to 50% of patients with localized disease eventually develop metastases. 8
BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8-12% of people with mCRC and represent a poor prognosis for these patients. 2 The BRAF V600E mutation is the most common BRAF mutation and the risk of mortality in patients with CRC with the BRAF V600E mutation is more than double that of patients with no known BRAF mutation present. 2-4 Despite the high unmet need in BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC, prior to December 20, 2024, there were no approved biomarker-driven therapies specifically indicated for people with previously untreated BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC. 9,10
About BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib)
BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E . Inappropriate activation of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK) has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including CRC.
Pfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Japan and South Korea, Medison has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Israel and Pierre Fabre Laboratories has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in all other countries, including Europe and Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea).
INDICATION AND USAGE
BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).
BRAFTOVI is also indicated, in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy.
Limitations of Use : BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF CRC.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 for recommended dosing and additional safety information.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
New Primary Malignancies: New primary malignancies, cutaneous and non-cutaneous, can occur. In BEACON CRC (previously treated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC), including keratoacanthoma (KA), occurred in 1.4% of patients with CRC, and a new primary melanoma occurred in 1.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC) skin papilloma was reported in 2.6%, basal cell carcinoma in 1.3%, squamous cell carcinoma of skin in 0.9%, keratoacanthoma in 0.4% and malignant melanoma in situ in 0.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiating treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of treatment. Manage suspicious skin lesions with excision and dermatopathologic evaluation. Dose modification is not recommended for new primary cutaneous malignancies. Based on its mechanism of action, BRAFTOVI may promote malignancies associated with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms. Monitor patients receiving BRAFTOVI for signs and symptoms of non-cutaneous malignancies. Discontinue BRAFTOVI for RAS mutation-positive non-cutaneous malignancies. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to initiation of treatment, while on treatment, and after discontinuation of treatment.
Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors: In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation using an FDA-approved test prior to initiating BRAFTOVI.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan prior to initiating treatment, 1 month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. Safety has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below 50% or below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored closely. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity can occur. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC), the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 increases in liver function laboratory tests in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was 2.2% for alkaline phosphatase, 1.3% for ALT, and 0.9% for AST. Monitor liver laboratory tests before initiation of BRAFTOVI, monthly during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.
Hemorrhage: In BEACON CRC (previously treated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC), hemorrhage occurred in 19% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab; Grade 3 or higher hemorrhage occurred in 1.9% of patients, including fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 0.5% of patients. The most frequent hemorrhagic events were epistaxis (6.9%), hematochezia (2.3%), and rectal hemorrhage (2.3%). In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC), hemorrhage occurred in 30% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6; Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage occurred in 3% of patients. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.
Uveitis: Uveitis, including iritis and iridocyclitis, has been reported in patients treated with BRAFTOVI. Assess for visual symptoms at each visit. Perform an ophthalmological evaluation at regular intervals and for new or worsening visual disturbances, and to follow new or persistent ophthalmologic findings. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.
QT Prolongation: BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation in some patients. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC), an increase of QTcF >500 ms was measured in 3.6% (8/222) of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Monitor patients who already have or who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation, including patients with known long QT syndromes, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias, severe or uncontrolled heart failure and those taking other medicinal products associated with QT prolongation. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia prior to and during BRAFTOVI administration. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue for QTc >500 ms.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: BRAFTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. BRAFTOVI can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Risks Associated with Combination Treatment: BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with cetuximab, or in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 for additional risk information.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Infertility: Advise males of reproductive potential that BRAFTOVI may impair fertility.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
BREAKWATER Trial (previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC)
BEACON CRC Trial (previously treated BRAF V600E mutation-positive mCRC)
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations.
Dose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI.
Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong QT/QTc interval.
View the full Prescribing Information .
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of May 30, 2025. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer Oncology and the BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 combination for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, including their potential benefits and discussions of the BREAKWATERsurvival data with regulatory authorities, including the FDA, to support potential conversion from accelerated approval to full approval for the combination regimen in this indication , that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when the accelerated approval for BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRC with a BRAF V600E mutation will be converted to full approval in the U.S.; whether and when any drug applications may be filed in any additional jurisdictions for BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRC with a BRAF V600E mutation or in any jurisdictions for any other potential indications for BRAFTOVI; whether and when any such other applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of BRAFTOVI or BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and mFOLFOX6; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws or regulations; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.Pfizer.com .
ERBITUX ® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
References
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A Case Management Conference (CMC) in the Depo-Provera legal action against Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will take place on Friday, 30 May at 9:00am CT in the United States Courthouse is Pensacola, Florida. The litigation is being brought on behalf of women in the USA who developed meningiomas after receiving at least 4 consecutive injections of Pfizer's Depo-Provera (DMPA). One of the law firms appointed to the Plaintiff's Executive Committee responsible for overseeing the MDL is Levin Papantonio, which has helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements against some of the world's largest corporations, including Johnson & Johnson, BP, Dupont, 3M, Merck and big tobacco. The law firm is currently acting for plaintiffs in the Talcum Powder Litigation against Johnson & Johnson and the Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation against Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, owned by Reckitt Benckiser.
The lawsuits allege that Pfizer and other generic producers of Depo-Provera were aware of the link between these birth control injections and brain tumors and that they failed to adequately warn of the risk and promote safer alternatives. Pfizer has acknowledged its awareness of the risks linked to long-term use of the drug and added warning labels in Canada in 2015, and in the UK and Europe in October 2024 following the Roland study published in the British Medical Journal . On 25 February 2025, Pfizer issued a note to healthcare professionals in South Africa warning that DMPA can cause meningiomas and should not be used by patients with a history of the condition. However, Pfizer has never provided an equivalent warning to women in the United States, highlighting inconsistent global safety standards.
Virginia Buchanan and Chris Paulos, Partners at Levin Papantonio said: "This case is moving at speed and this hearing will bring us closer to achieving justice for the women in the United States who have never been warned about the increased risk of developing a brain tumor from using Depo-Provera and who have gone on to develop meningiomas. Levin Papantonio has taken on Big Tobacco, Big Oil, and Big Pharma for their corporate wrongdoing and now we're demanding that Pfizer be held accountable."
In the US, 24.5% of sexually active women have used Depo-Provera in their lifetime, according to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 3 and according to the University of Edinburgh, Depo-Provera is used by 15% of women in the UK 4 . Following the March 2024 British Medical Journal study, other studies have since confirmed this risk 5 and cancer epidemiologist Paul Pharoah estimated that whilst 40 out of every 10,000 30-year-old women in the UK would be diagnosed with a meningioma before the age of 80, this risk increases to approximately 200 per 10,000 among women who have used Depo-Provera, which equates to 2% of Depo-Provera users developing brain tumors 6 . Symptoms associated with these brain tumors include headaches, memory loss, seizures, and speech difficulties, often needing surgical intervention.
Depo-Provera, originally developed by The Upjohn Company in the 1950s as a cancer treatment, was marketed as a contraceptive to more than 70 countries from 1969 7 onwards despite evidence that its active ingredient, DMPA, caused cancer in animals 8 and before the first attempt at a clinical study was conducted at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta between 1967 and 1978 involving approximately 11,000 mostly impoverished or African American women 9 . An audit performed by the US FDA found that the study was unreliable and failed to obtain informed consent from its subjects 10 . In 1984, The Public Board of Inquiry upheld the FDA's decision to disallow the marketing of the drug and between 1978 to 1992, the FDA denied approval for the drug to be used in the US three times due to safety concerns. The drug was approved in the US in 1992 7 . Pfizer acquired Depo-Provera following its takeover of Pharmacia & Upjohn in 2002.
Notes to editors
About Levin Papantonio
Levin Papantonio is one of the leading plaintiff law firms in America. The firm has successfully represented more than 100,000 clients harmed by corporate negligence and misconduct and has helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements against some of the world's largest corporations, including Big Tobacco, BP, Dupont, 3M and Merck:
The firm is led by Mike Papantonio, a nationally renowned US trial lawyer. Mike was selected as lead in discovery and trial in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation MDL, dubbed the most complex case in U.S. legal history, and he secured a $26 billion settlement.
One of the few living attorneys inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame, Papantonio's work has been featured in award-winning documentaries including Oxy Kingpins , The Devil We Know , and Jesus Camp . Papantonio also hosts America's Lawyer on YouTube, with over 1 million subscribers, and he founded and hosts the Ring of Fire radio show where he has interviewed major cultural and political figures, including Al Pacino, Erin Brockovich, and Howard Zinn.
1 Refers to Depo-Provera 150 mg/ml formulation.
2 United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Contraceptive use by method 2019: data booklet. 2019. https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/files/documents/2020/Jan/un_2019_contraceptiveusebymethod_databooklet.pdf Accessed 25 April 2025.
3 Daniels K, Abma JC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Statistics Reports, Number 195: Contraceptive Methods Women Have Ever Used: United States, 2015–2019. 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr195.pdf Accessed 28 April 2025.
4 University of Edinburgh. Women invited to trial twice-a-year contraceptive. 2023. https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2023/women-invited-to-trial-twice-a-year-contraceptive Accessed 25 April 2025.
5 Griffin RL. The Association between Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Exposure and Meningioma. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Sep 30;16(19):3362. doi: 10.3390/cancers16193362. PMID: 39409982; PMCID: PMC11482550.
6 Science Media Centre. Expert reaction to study finding an association between prolonged use of progestogen hormones and brain tumour risk. 2024. https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-study-finding-an-association-between-prolonged-use-of-progestogen-hormones-and-brain-tumour-risk Accessed 25 April 2025.
7 Nadakavukaren A. Our Global Environment: A Health Perspective . 7th ed. Waveland Press. 2011. Accessed 22 May 2025.
8 World Bank Group Archives. Depo-Provera background documents. 1984. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/118081664196031351-0560011984/original/WorldBankGroupArchivesFolder1104000.pdf Accessed 25 April 2025
9 Green, W. Contraceptive Risk: The FDA, Depo-Provera, and the Politics of Experimental Medicine . New York University Press. 2017.
10 Weisz J, Ross G, Stolley P. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Report of the Public Board of Inquiry on Depo-Provera. 1984. See also Federal Register. 49(210):43507. Green W. Contraceptive Risk: The FDA, Depo-Provera, and the Politics of Experimental Medicine . New York: New York University Press; 2017.
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Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura "Astellas") and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced longer-term follow-up results from an open-label extension of the Phase 3 ARCHES ( NCT02677896 ) study, reporting a five-year follow up of overall survival (OS) benefits and a 30% reduction in the risk of death in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treated with XTANDI ™ (enzalutamide), an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT. These data will be presented during an oral presentation (Abstract #5005) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago ( Tuesday, June 3 9:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. US CT).
"Historically, the likelihood of survival at five years for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer was low, but with advancements in initial treatment intensification like what we've seen with XTANDI, this is now becoming the standard," said Andrew J. Armstrong , MD, ScM, Director of Research at the Center for Prostate & Urologic Cancers, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC , and ARCHES primary investigator. "In our five-year follow up of the global ARCHES trial, two-thirds of men are now surviving five years, representing a 13% absolute and 30% relative improvement over standard hormonal therapy alone, with benefits in patients with high and low disease burden that are meaningful to our patients."
In patients with high-volume disease (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56-0.88) a 36-month improvement in median OS was observed. Additional clinically relevant subgroups of patients were evaluated, showing consistently improved survival: low-volume disease (HR: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.05); patients who had previously received docetaxel therapy (HR: 0.67; 95% CI, 0.43- 1.05) and those who had not received prior docetaxel therapy (HR: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.88). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events in the five-year follow-up is consistent with prior ARCHES analyses and no new safety signals were identified.
"The survival benefits of intervention with XTANDI in advanced prostate cancer are well-recognized," added Shontelle Dodson , Executive Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas. "The collective – and growing – body of data for XTANDI continues to reinforce its long-term efficacy and patient impact in prostate cancer, including in the metastatic setting, and shows that XTANDI is changing the trajectory of those living with the disease."
These results of the five-year follow-up from the ARCHES study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the near future.
"Until recently, patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer faced a poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages, often due to treatment resistance," said Johanna Bendell , M.D., Oncology Chief Development Officer , Pfizer. "As the only androgen receptor inhibitor demonstrating sustained five-year survival in this patient population, these data further reinforce XTANDI combined with androgen deprivation therapy as the standard-of-care for treating this advanced disease."
In addition to five-year data from the follow-up ARCHES study, eight-year data from the ENZAMET study assessing outcomes of enzalutamide versus non-steroidal anti-androgen (NSAA) – both plus testosterone suppression with or without docetaxel – in mHSPC will also be presented during a poster session at ASCO ( Monday, June 2 , 9:00 a.m. US CT). This independent, Phase 3 trial sponsored by the University of Sydney ( NCT02446405 ), led by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group Limited (ANZUP), demonstrated a reduction in risk of death in men with mHSPC.
"Data from the eight-year follow-up of XTANDI are highly encouraging, as they show the progression-free survival and overall survival benefits are sustained out to at least eight years," said Christopher Sweeney , MBBS, DHS, FRACP, ANZUP Cancer Trials Group Limited, Sydney, Australia , and ENZAMET follow-up primary investigator. "These results further support the value of XTANDI as a treatment regimen for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer."
With a median follow-up of 98 months, patients with mHSPC were treated with XTANDI plus testosterone suppression or NSAA plus testosterone suppression, each group with or without docetaxel. The median OS in the XTANDI group was 8.0 years and 5.8 years in the NSAA group (HR: 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86). OS at 96 months was 50% with XTANDI and 40% for NSAA; progression-free survival (PFS) also favored XTANDI over NSAA (HR: 0.49; 95% CI, 0.42-0.57). Prostate cancer accounted for 468 of all 622 deaths and were less frequent among those assigned XTANDI than NSAA (207 versus 261). Other causes accounted for a total of 154 deaths and were similarly frequent among those assigned XTANDI versus NSAA (78 versus 76). Mean duration of treatment was longer for XTANDI (58 months) than NSAA (36 months), with 33% remaining on XTANDI and 88% of these patients remained at the full dose of 160 mg.
XTANDI is currently approved in more than 90 countries, including in the United States , European Union and Japan. Since its initial approval in 2012, over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally. 1***
About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, also known as metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, refers to prostate cancer that still responds to hormonal therapy and has spread outside of the prostate gland to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, lungs and liver. 2
About the ARCHES Study
The Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,150 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) at sites in the United States , Canada , Europe , South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients in the ARCHES trial were randomized to receive XTANDI 160 mg daily or placebo and continued on a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist or antagonist or had a history of bilateral orchiectomy. The ARCHES trial included patients with both low- and high-volume disease and both newly diagnosed patients with mHSPC and patients who had prior definitive therapy and subsequently developed metastatic disease. The trial also included some patients who had received recent treatment with docetaxel for mHSPC, but whose disease had not progressed. The primary endpoint of the trial was radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), defined as the time from randomization to the first objective evidence of radiographic disease progression as assessed by central review, or death within 24 weeks of treatment discontinuation.
In addition to the key secondary endpoint of overall survival at final analysis, a post hoc 5-year analysis was executed with the intent to further quantify long-term overall survival at a clinically meaningful landmark follow-up of five years.
For more information on the global ARCHES trial, go to www.clinicaltrials.gov .
About ENZAMET
ENZAMET is a trial led by ANZUP Cancer Trials Group Limited in collaboration with the NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney with trial sites in Australia , Canada , Ireland , New Zealand , UK and United States . The trial evaluates the potential of enzalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus a conventional non-steroidal anti androgen (NSAA) plus ADT in 1,125 men with mHSPC. The primary endpoint for the trial is overall survival (OS). Additional details about ENZAMET (NCT02446405) are available on www.clinicaltrials.gov . Astellas provided funding and support for the ENZAMET trial.
About XTANDI ™ (enzalutamide)
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the United States , European Union and Japan. Over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally. 1
About XTANDI (enzalutamide) and Important Safety Information
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions
Seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer's disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.
Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (3.5% vs 2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.8% of patients on XTANDI versus 1.1% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.
Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 12% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 6% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 13% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.
Dysphagia or Choking Severe dysphagia or choking, including events that could be life-threatening requiring medical intervention or fatal, can occur due to XTANDI product size. Advise patients to take each capsule or tablet whole with a sufficient amount of water to ensure that all medication is successfully swallowed. Consider use of a smaller tablet size of XTANDI in patients who have difficulty swallowing. Discontinue XTANDI for patients who cannot swallow capsules or tablets.
Adverse Reactions (ARs)
In the data from the five randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hot flush, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypertension, hemorrhage, fall, fracture, and headache. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.
In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to ARs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients.
Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are hemoglobin decrease, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypercalcemia.
Hypertension: In the combined data from five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 14.2% of XTANDI patients and 7.4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in
Drug Interactions
Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of XTANDI.
Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of XTANDI.
Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid coadministration with certain CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failure of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of these substrates in accordance with their Prescribing Information. In cases where active metabolites are formed, there may be increased exposure to the active metabolites.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en .
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration
In October 2009 , Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a global agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI (enzalutamide). The companies jointly commercialize XTANDI in the United States , and Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing XTANDI outside the United States .
Astellas Forward-Looking Statement
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development), which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
Pfizer Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of May 22, 2025 . Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about XTANDI (enzalutamide) and a new indication in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR), including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of XTANDI; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; whether the EMBARK trial will meet the secondary endpoint of overall survival; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications for XTANDI may be filed in other jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions may approve any such applications that may be pending or filed for XTANDI (including the application pending with the European Medicines Agency), which will depend on a myriad of factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether XTANDI for any potential indication will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety, and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of XTANDI, including for the new indication; dependence on the efforts and funding by Astellas Pharma Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of XTANDI; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 , and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com .
Astellas Cautionary Notes
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
1 Astellas. Data on File. XTANDI patient. January 2023 .
2 Sartor, O., de Bono, J., Chi, K. N., Fizazi, K., Herrmann, K., Piulats, J. M., ... & Hussain, M. (2021). Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(12), 1091-1103.
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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced it has entered into an exclusive global, ex-China, licensing agreement with 3SBio, Inc. (01530.HK), a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of SSGJ-707, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, currently undergoing several clinical trials in China for non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and gynecological tumors. SSGJ-707 has shown initial efficacy and safety data in a promising class of cancer medicines. 3SBio plans to initiate the first Phase 3 study in China in 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, 3SBio and its subsidiaries Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and 3S Guojian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. will grant Pfizer an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture and commercialize SSGJ-707 worldwide, excluding China. The agreement also provides Pfizer the option of commercialization rights in China. 3SBio will receive an upfront payment of $1.25 billion and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $4.8 billion as well as tiered double-digit royalties on sales of SSGJ-707, if approved.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and 3SBio shareholder approval. Upon close, Pfizer will make a $100 million equity investment in 3SBio subject to an agreed upon securities subscription agreement between the parties. Pfizer plans to manufacture drug substance for SSGJ-707 in Sanford, North Carolina, and drug product in McPherson, Kansas.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
Disclosure Notice: The information contained in this release is as of May 19, 2025. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about, among other topics, Pfizer Oncology, SSGJ-707, an investigational bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, and an exclusive global, ex-China, licensing agreement between Pfizer and 3SBio, Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of SSGJ-707, including their potential benefits, the anticipated timing of closing of the proposed transaction, manufacturing plans and 3SBio's plans to initiate a Phase 3 study in China in 2025, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed transaction (including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory and 3SBio shareholder approvals) in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; risks related to the successful integration of the licensed asset with Pfizer's business; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of Pfizer's common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed transaction or SSGJ-707; manufacturing capabilities or capacity; other business effects and uncertainties, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions; future exchange and interest rates; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws, regulations or policy; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including, without limitation, risks related to Pfizer's business and prospects, adverse developments in Pfizer's markets, or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment, tariffs and other trade policies or economies generally; future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the commercial success of SSGJ-707 and Pfizer's commercialized and pipeline products; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; risks associated with preliminary or interim data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for SSGJ-707 or any of Pfizer's pipeline products; whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether SSGJ-707 or any such other products will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of SSGJ-707 or any such other products; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.Pfizer.com .
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