Amgen Gets FDA Nod to Add ASPIRE Data on Kyprolis Label

Biotech major Amgen Inc. AMGN gained FDA approval to include the positive overall survival data in multiple myeloma from the late-stage ASPIRE study in Kyprolis label.

Final data from the phase III ASPIRE study presented in July last year showed that a triple combination regimen of Kyprolis significantly improved overall survival (OS) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Overall survival data from the study showed that patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma lived 7.9 months longer when treated with Kyprolis plus Celgene’s CELG Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (KRd ) compared to those treated with Revlimid and dexamethasone (Rd) (median OS of 48.3 months for KRd versus median OS of 40.4 months for Rd). The data also showed that KRd reduced the risk of death by 21% compared to Rd.

While Kyprolis, a proteasome inhibitor, is already approved for use in combination with Revlimid and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, the overall survival data should help drive usage and boost sales.

Amgen’s shares have gained 6.2% so far this year against the 6.8% decrease registered by the industry.

A similar application is also under review in the EU. In April, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted a positive opinion recommending inclusion of the OS data from the ASPIRE study in the label of Kyprolis.

In early 2018, Amgen gained FDA approval to include overall survival data from the head-to-head ENDEAVOR study on the label of Kyprolis

With the approval to include OS results from ASPIRE study, Kyprolis label now includes OS data from two phase III studies which should drive sales of the drug in future quarters.

Kyprolis has become a key revenue driver for Amgen. The drug recorded sales of $222 million in the first quarter of 2018, representing growth of 17% year over year, driven by increased demand and a robust uptake from outside U.S. markets.

Kyprolis represents significant commercial potential. Sales are likely to be driven by launch in additional countries, expansion into additional indications and a longer duration of treatment.

Amgen also has a collaboration with J&J JNJ to study the combination of Kyprolis and J&J’s Darzalex in multiple clinical studies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Amgen currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked biotech stock is BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. BMRN with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

BioMarin’s earnings per share estimates increased 47.7% for 2018 and 20.0% for 2019 in the last 60 days. The average earnings surprise in the trailing four quarters is 42.4%. The company’s shares have risen 0.7% year to date.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!             

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. 

Click here for the 6 trades >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Celgene Corporation (CELG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Amgen Inc. (AMGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.