RARITAN, N.J., Dec. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today new data from the Phase 3 ANDROMEDA study, which evaluated DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) as a treatment for patients withlight chain (AL) amyloidosis, a rare disease associated with deterioration of vital organs, most notably the heart, kidneys and liver, for which there are no currently approved therapies.1,2The data, which were featured in an oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2020 Annual Meeting, showed a significantly higher complete hematologic response rate with DARZALEX FASPRO treatment in patients with this potentially fatal blood disorder compared to the standard regimen and consistent decreases in markers of disease, indicative of deep hematologic responses(Abstract #552).3

These data supported the recent submissionto theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for DARZALEX FASPRO in combination with bortezomib (VELCADE), cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (D-VCd) for the treatment of patients with AL amyloidosis. The submission is being reviewed under the Real-Time Oncology Review Programto seek the first approval for any drug to treat this disease.4

"AL amyloidosis is a rare blood disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in the tissues and organs and eventually cause major organ deterioration," said study investigator, Raymond L. Comenzo, M.D., Director, John C. Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program, Tufts Medical Center. "The data being presented at ASH show the potential of this new treatment regimen. Compared to VCd alone, the D-VCd regimen increased hematologicresponse rates and prolonged major organ deterioration-progression-free survival (MOD-PFS) in patients with AL amyloidosis."

Key Findings from the ANDROMEDA Oral Presentation (Abstract #552):

Additionally, D-VCd had an acceptable safety profile, consistent with that previously observed for each of the agents alone.

"AL amyloidosis is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat, with symptoms that mimic other conditions. During that delay, major organ deterioration can occur," said Jessica Vermeulen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Medical Head/Clinical Leader, Hematology & Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "It is our hope that the ANDROMEDA study contributes to raising awareness of AL amyloidosis among patients and providers, and that approval of DARZALEX FASPRO, pending health authority reviews, will bring a much-needed and effective treatment option to patients."

Extent of cardiac involvement at baseline has a major impact on clinical outcomes for patients with AL amyloidosis.5A separate poster presentation of the ANDROMEDA data focused on the impact of cardiac involvement in newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients (Abstract #1392).6Results found that rates of hematologic, cardiac and renal response at six months were higher in the D-VCd group than the VCd group regardless of baseline cardiac stage (I, II or III), with more than 76 percent of these patients having a baseline cardiac stage of II or higher.6Additionally, both MOD-PFS and major organ deterioration-event-free survival(MOD-EFS) favored D-VCd across baseline cardiac stages.6

About the ANDROMEDA Study7ANDROMEDA (NCT03201965) is an ongoing Phase 3, randomized, open-label study investigating the safety and efficacy of daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (D-VCd), compared to VCd alone, for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis. The study includes 388 patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis with measurable hematologic disease and one or more organs affected.

The primary endpoint is overall complete hematologic response rate by intent-to-treat (ITT). Secondary endpoints include MOD-PFS,MOD-EFS, organ response rate, overall survival and time to hematologic response, among others.

About DARZALEXFASPROIn August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Janssen an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab. Since launch, it is estimated that more than 150,000 patients have been treated with daratumumab worldwide.8 DARZALEX FASPROis the only CD38-directed antibody approved to be given subcutaneously to treat patients with multiple myeloma.

CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.Daratumumabbinds to CD38 and inhibits tumor cell growth, causing myeloma cell death.9 Daratumumabmay also have an effect on normal cells.10 Data across nine Phase 3 clinical trials in multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that daratumumab-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival.11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 Additional studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPROin the treatment of other malignant and pre-malignant hematologic diseases in which CD38 is expressed, including smoldering myeloma and light chain (AL) amyloidosis.19,20

For the full U.S. Prescribing Information, please visitwww.DARZALEX.com.

About AL AmyloidosisLight chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and potentially fatal hematologic disorder that can affect the function of multiple organs. The disease occurs when bone marrow produces abnormal pieces of antibodies called light chains, which clump together to form a substance called amyloid. These clumps of amyloid are deposited in tissues and vital organs and interfere with normal organ function, eventually causing organ deterioration.21,22 It is the most common type of amyloidosis. AL amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, digestive tract, liver and nervous system, and is potentially fatal if left untreated.23 Diagnosis is often delayed and prognosis is poor due to advanced, multi-organ, particularly cardiac, involvement.24,25 Each year, an estimated 4,500 people develop AL amyloidosis in the U.S. alone.26

DARZALEX FASPRO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma:

DARZALEX FASPROTMIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONCONTRAINDICATIONSDARZALEX FASPROTMis contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to daratumumab, hyaluronidase or any of the components of the formulation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions

Both systemic administration-related reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions, and local injection-site reactions can occur with DARZALEX FASPROTM.

Systemic Reactions

In a pooled safety population of 490patients who received DARZALEX FASPROTMas monotherapy or in combination, 11% of patients experienced a systemic administration-related reaction (Grade 2: 3.9%, Grade 3: 1.4%). Systemic administration-related reactions occurred in 10% of patients with the first injection, 0.2% with the second injection, and cumulatively 0.8% with subsequent injections. The median time to onset was 3.7hours (range: 9minutes to 3.5days). Of the 84systemic administration-related reactions that occurred in 52patients, 73(87%) occurred on the day of DARZALEX FASPROTM administration. Delayed systemic administration-related reactions have occurred in less than 1% of the patients.

Severe reactions included hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension and tachycardia. Other signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions may include respiratory symptoms, such as bronchospasm, nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing, as well as anaphylactic reaction, pyrexia, chest pain, pruritis, chills, vomiting, nausea, and hypotension.

Pre-medicate patients with histamine-1 receptor antagonist, acetaminophen and corticosteroids. Monitor patients for systemic administration-related reactions, especially following the first and second injections. For anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) administration-related reactions, immediately and permanently discontinue DARZALEX FASPROTM. Consider administering corticosteroids and other medications after the administration of DARZALEX FASPROTMdepending on dosing regimen and medical history to minimize the risk of delayed (defined as occurring the day after administration) systemic administration-related reactions.

Local Reactions

In this pooled safety population, injection-site reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including Grade2 reactions in 0.6%. The most frequent (>1%) injection-site reaction was injection site erythema. These local reactions occurred a median of 7minutes (range: 0minutes to 4.7days) after starting administration of DARZALEX FASPROTM. Monitor for local reactions and consider symptomatic management.

NeutropeniaDaratumumab may increase neutropenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPROTMuntil recovery of neutrophils. In lower body weight patients receiving DARZALEX FASPROTM, higher rates of Grade 3-4 neutropenia were observed.

ThrombocytopeniaDaratumumab may increase thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPROTM until recovery of platelets.

Embryo-Fetal ToxicityBased on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPROTMcan cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX FASPROTMmay cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPROTMand for 3months after the last dose.

The combination of DARZALEX FASPROTMwith lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women, because lenalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.

Interference with Serological TestingDaratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6months after the last daratumumab administration. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient's serum. The determination of a patient's ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted.

Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX FASPROTM. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX FASPROTM.

Interference with Determination of Complete ResponseDaratumumab is a human IgG kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some DARZALEX FASPROTM-treated patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.

ADVERSE REACTIONSThe most common adverse reaction (20%) with DARZALEX FASPROTM monotherapy is: upper respiratory tract infection. The most common adverse reactions with combination therapy (20% for any combination) include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, insomnia, pyrexia, cough, muscle spasms, back pain, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral sensory neuropathy, constipation, and pneumonia.

The most common hematology laboratory abnormalities (40%) with DARZALEX FASPROTM are decreased leukocytes, decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelets, and decreased hemoglobin.

Please see full Prescribing Information atwww.DARZALEX.com.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at http://www.janssen.com. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal and http://www.twitter.com/JanssenUS.Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding DARZALEX FASPROTM. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, or any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies,and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.comor on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

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Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03217812?term=MMY3011&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03217812. Last accessed: October 2020. 17 European Myeloma Network. Compare Progression Free Survival Btw Daratumumab/Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone vs Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone (EMN14). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180736?term=MMY3013&rank=2 Identifier: NCT03180736. Last accessed: October 2020. 18Amgen. Study of Carfilzomib, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone for Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (CANDOR). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158688?term=NCT03158688&rank=1Identifier: NCT03158688. Last accessed: October 2020. 19Janssen Research & Development, LLC. 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Data from the ANDROMEDA Study Show Hematologic Response for DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) in Newly Diagnosed Light Chain (AL)...