Business Wire

Investigational Subcutaneous Formulation of Vedolizumab Meets Primary Endpoint in Achieving Clinical Remission at Week 52 in Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease

Share

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) today announced top-line results from the VISIBLE 2 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of an investigational subcutaneous (SC) formulation of the gut-selective biologic vedolizumab as maintenance therapy in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) who achieved clinical response* at week 6 following two doses of open-label vedolizumab intravenous (IV) therapy at weeks 0 and 2.1 In evaluating the primary endpoint of the trial, a statistically significant proportion of patients receiving vedolizumab SC achieved clinical remission** at week 52 compared to placebo. Patients received vedolizumab SC beginning at week 6 and every 2 weeks up to week 50.1 Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of vedolizumab IV, and no new signals were identified.

“Meeting the primary endpoint of the VISIBLE 2 study marks a crucial step in our efforts to help patients with Crohn’s disease as to how they may receive treatment with vedolizumab, whether that is intravenously or subcutaneously. These data, alongside the pivotal VISIBLE 1 results in ulcerative colitis, provide a more comprehensive picture of the new investigational subcutaneous formulation of vedolizumab as maintenance therapy for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,” said Asit Parikh, MD PhD, Head of Takeda’s Gastroenterology Therapeutic Area Unit.

These results will be shared with regulatory authorities and further data from the VISIBLE 2 trial will be presented at a future scientific congress. The subcutaneous formulation of vedolizumab forms part of Takeda’s ongoing commitment to meet the individual preferences of patients worldwide.

VISIBLE 2 is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab SC as maintenance therapy in patients with moderately to severely active CD.1 The study enrolled 644 participants, all of whom had an inadequate response with, loss of response to, or intolerance to corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-antagonist therapy prior to being enrolled.1 Patients who achieved clinical response at week 6 (n=410),2 following two doses of open-label vedolizumab 300 mg IV therapy at weeks 0 and 2, were randomized into one of two treatment groups, vedolizumab 108 mg SC or placebo SC.1 Both treatment groups received a subcutaneous injection every two weeks starting at week 6 up to week 50.1

* Clinical response is defined as a ≥70 point decrease in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score from baseline (week 0).2

** Clinical remission is defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score ≤150 at week 52.1

About the VISIBLE Clinical Trial Program

The VISIBLE clinical trial program aims to assess the efficacy and safety of an investigational subcutaneous (SC) formulation of vedolizumab as maintenance therapy in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).1,3,4

VISIBLE consists of three phase 3 studies involving over 1,000 UC and CD patients which includes two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies examining the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission at week 52, and an open-label extension study to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of vedolizumab SC.1,3,4

About Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are two of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).5 Both UC and CD are chronic, relapsing, remitting, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that are often progressive in nature.6,7 UC only involves the large intestine as opposed to CD which can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus.8,9 CD can also affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall, while UC only involves the innermost lining of the large intestine.7,8 UC commonly presents with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, loose bowel movements, including blood or pus.8,10 CD commonly presents with symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.6 The cause of UC or CD is not fully understood; however, recent research suggests hereditary, genetics, environmental factors, and/or an abnormal immune response to microbial antigens in genetically predisposed individuals can lead to UC or CD.8,11,12

About Entyvio® (vedolizumab)

Vedolizumab is a gut-selective biologic and is approved as an intravenous (IV) formulation.13,14 It is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to specifically antagonize the alpha4beta7 integrin, inhibiting the binding of alpha4beta7 integrin to intestinal mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1), but not vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1).15 MAdCAM-1 is preferentially expressed on blood vessels and lymph nodes of the gastrointestinal tract.16 The alpha4beta7 integrin is expressed on a subset of circulating white blood cells.15 These cells have been shown to play a role in mediating the inflammatory process in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).15,17,18 By inhibiting alpha4beta7 integrin, vedolizumab may limit the ability of certain white blood cells to infiltrate gut tissues.15

Vedolizumab IV is approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active UC and CD, who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-antagonist.13,14 Vedolizumab IV has been granted marketing authorization in over 60 countries, including the United States and European Union, with more than 330,000 patient years of exposure to date.2

Therapeutic Indications (vedolizumab IV)

Ulcerative colitis

Vedolizumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) antagonist.

Crohn’s disease

Vedolizumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) antagonist.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Special warnings and special precautions for use

Vedolizumab should be administered by a healthcare professional prepared to manage hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, if they occur. Appropriate monitoring and medical support measures should be available for immediate use when administering vedolizumab. Observe patients during infusion and until the infusion is complete.

Infusion-related reactions

In clinical studies, infusion-related reactions (IRR) and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, with the majority being mild to moderate in severity. If a severe IRR, anaphylactic reaction, or other severe reaction occurs, administration of vedolizumab must be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment initiated (e.g., epinephrine and antihistamines). If a mild to moderate IRR occurs, the infusion rate can be slowed or interrupted and appropriate treatment initiated (e.g., epinephrine and antihistamines). Once the mild or moderate IRR subsides, continue the infusion. Physicians should consider pre-treatment (e.g., with antihistamine, hydrocortisone and/or paracetamol) prior to the next infusion for patients with a history of mild to moderate IRR to vedolizumab, in order to minimize their risks.

Infections

Vedolizumab is a gut-selective integrin antagonist with no identified systemic immunosuppressive activity. Physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of opportunistic infections or infections for which the gut is a defensive barrier. Vedolizumab treatment is not to be initiated in patients with active, severe infections such as tuberculosis, sepsis, cytomegalovirus, listeriosis, and opportunistic infections until the infections are controlled, and physicians should consider withholding treatment in patients who develop a severe infection while on chronic treatment with vedolizumab. Caution should be exercised when considering the use of vedolizumab in patients with a controlled chronic severe infection or a history of recurring severe infections. Patients should be monitored closely for infections before, during and after treatment. Before starting treatment with vedolizumab, screening for tuberculosis may be considered according to local practice. Some integrin antagonists and some systemic immunosuppressive agents have been associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare and often fatal opportunistic infection caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus. By binding to the α4β7 integrin expressed on gut-homing lymphocytes, vedolizumab exerts an immunosuppressive effect specific to the gut. Although no systemic immunosuppressive effect was noted in healthy subjects, the effects on systemic immune system function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are not known. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients on vedolizumab for any new onset or worsening of neurological signs and symptoms, and consider neurological referral if they occur. If PML is suspected, treatment with vedolizumab must be withheld; if confirmed, treatment must be permanently discontinued. Typical signs and symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body, clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. The progression of deficits usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months.

Malignancies

The risk of malignancy is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Immunomodulatory medicinal products may increase the risk of malignancy.

Prior and concurrent use of biological products

No vedolizumab clinical trial data are available for patients previously treated with natalizumab. No clinical trial data for concomitant use of vedolizumab with biologic immunosuppressants are available. Therefore, the use of vedolizumab in such patients is not recommended.

Vaccinations

Prior to initiating treatment with vedolizumab all patients should be brought up to date with all recommended immunizations. Patients receiving vedolizumab may receive non-live vaccines (e.g., subunit or inactivated vaccines) and may receive live vaccines only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Adverse reactions include: nasopharyngitis, headache, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, influenza, sinusitis, cough, oropharyngeal pain, nausea, rash, pruritus, back pain, pain in extremities, pyrexia, fatigue and anaphylaxis.

Please consult with your local regulatory agency for approved labeling in your country.

For U.S. audiences, please see the full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for ENTYVIO®.

For EU audiences, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for ENTYVIO®.

Takeda’s Commitment to Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases can be complex, debilitating and life-changing. Recognizing this unmet need, Takeda and our collaboration partners have focused on improving the lives of patients through the delivery of innovative medicines and dedicated patient disease support programs for over 25 years. Takeda aspires to advance how patients manage their disease. Additionally, Takeda is leading in areas of gastroenterology associated with high unmet need, such as inflammatory bowel disease, acid-related diseases and motility disorders. Our GI Research & Development team is also exploring solutions in celiac disease and liver diseases, as well as scientific advancements through microbiome therapies.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology (GI), Rare Diseases and Neuroscience. We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions.

For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com

###

References

1 Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab subcutaneous (SC) as maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02611817. Last updated: June 17, 2019. Last accessed: July 2019.
2 Takeda Data on File. 2019.
3 Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab subcutaneously (SC) as maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02611830. Last updated: August 27, 2018. Last accessed: July 2019.
4 Vedolizumab subcutaneous long-term open-label extension study. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02620046. Last updated: May 6, 2019. Last accessed: July 2019.
5 Baumgart DC, Carding SR. Inflammatory bowel disease: cause and immunobiology. Lancet. 2007;369:1627-1640.
6 Baumgart DC, Sandborn WJ. Crohn’s disease. Lancet. 2012;380:1590-1605.
7 Torres J, Billioud V, Sachar DB, et al. Ulcerative colitis as a progressive disease: the forgotten evidence. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2012;18:1356-1363.
8 Ordas I, Eckmann L, Talamini M, et al. Ulcerative colitis. Lancet. 2012;380:1606-1619.
9 Feuerstein JD, Cheifetz AS. Crohn’s disease: Epidemiology, diagnosis and management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92:1088-1103.
10 Sands BE. From symptom to diagnosis: clinical distinctions among various forms of intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1518-1532.
11 Henckaerts L, Pierik M, Joossens M, et al. Mutations in pattern recognition receptor genes modulate seroreactivity to microbial antigens in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 2007;56:1536-1542.
12 Kaser A, Zeissig S, Blumberg RS. Genes and environment: How will our concepts on the pathophysiology of IBD develop in the future? Dig Dis. 2010;28:395-405.
13 Entyvio Prescribing Information. Available at: https://general.takedapharm.com/ENTYVIOPI. Last updated: May 2019. Last accessed: July 2019.
14 European Medicines Agency. Entyvio EPAR product information. EMEA/H/C/002782 - IB/0030 ANNEX 1 Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/product-information/entyvio-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Last updated: April 1, 2019. Last accessed: July 2019.
15 Soler D, Chapman T, Yang LL, et al. The binding specificity and selective antagonism of vedolizumab, an anti-α4β7 integrin therapeutic antibody in development for inflammatory bowel diseases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009;330:864-875.
16 Briskin M, Winsor-Hines D, Shyjan A, et al. Human mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 is preferentially expressed in intestinal tract and associated lymphoid tissue. Am J Pathol. 1997;151:97‑110.
17 Eksteen B, Liaskou E, Adams DH. Lymphocyte homing and its roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14:1298‑1312.
18 Wyant T, Fedyk E, Abhyankar B. An overview of the mechanism of action of the monoclonal antibody vedolizumab. J Crohns Colitis. 2016;10:1437-1444.

To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

Contact information

Media:
Media outside Japan
Luke Willats
luke.willats@takeda.com
+41-44-555-1145

Japanese Media
Tatsuhiro Kanoo
tatsuhiro.kanoo@takeda.com
+81 (0) 3-3278-2095

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
24 Martin Lane
EC4R 0DR London

+44 20 7626 1982http://www.businesswire.co.uk

(c) 2018 Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in multiplatform press release distribution.

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Blue Yonder Announces Binding Agreement To Acquire One Network Enterprises for Approximately $839 Million To Create Multi-Enterprise Supply Chain Ecosystem29.3.2024 13:13:00 CET | Press release

Blue Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain transformations, continues its forward momentum to revolutionize the supply chain and has today announced the signing of an agreement to acquire One Network Enterprises (One Network) for approximately $839 million, subject to adjustments. One Network, provider of the Digital Supply Chain Network™, is known for its autonomous and resilience services and is a leading global provider of intelligent control towers. Upon completion, Blue Yonder will be well positioned to serve customers’ needs across planning, execution, commerce, and networks. “Supply chains have become more complex, and as more and more companies reduce risk by diversifying sourcing of products globally, there is an increased demand for the sharing of information and resources across the whole value chain. This, along with increased disruptions and geopolitical risks, have put the pressure on organizations to build more resilient and robust supply chains,” said Duncan Angove,

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC Shareholders Approve Payment of AED 3.1 Billion in Dividends29.3.2024 13:12:00 CET | Press release

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (ISIN: AED001801011) (Symbol: DEWA), the Emirate of Dubai’s exclusive electricity and water services provider and majority owner of the largest cooling services provider, which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), reported that its shareholders have, in the general assembly held on March 28th, 2024, approved the payment of total dividend of AED 3.1 billion with a record date of April 8th, 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240329162756/en/ Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC shareholders approve payment of AED 3.1 billion in dividends (Photo: AETOSWire) General Assembly Details The meeting, chaired by HE Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEWA, was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Members of the Board of Directors of DEWA as well as 85.9% of the shareholders. The assembly was held on Thursday (2

PAN Finance Names Libertex ‘Global CFD Broker of the Year’29.3.2024 06:25:00 CET | Press release

As the first quarter of 2024 draws to a close, Libertex is thrilled to announce its first accolade of the new year! The established global financial publication PAN Finance has determined Libertex to be the ‘CFD Broker of the Year – Global 2024’ following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the publication's highly experienced editorial and research teams. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328235325/en/ (Graphic: Libertex) PAN Finance is a trusted source of global financial intelligence with an impressively wide readership across 150 countries. Its ecosystem includes a quarterly magazine, special reports, a news website, and various social media channels. As an organisation, PAN Finance is committed to providing concise, intelligent, and up-to-date news for a worldwide readership of specialists spanning the entire finance industry. The company's awards programme aims to serve as a true indicator of exc

Midea Group releases its first-ever ESG brand story with an unexpected VIP visit highlighting its commitment to sustainability.29.3.2024 02:39:00 CET | Press release

Midea Group: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328526418/en/ Background: Midea Group, a leading global technology group, recently released its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report with ambitious sustainable development goals set for 2030. They include achieving over 500 megawatts of photovoltaic power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity (scopes 1 and 2) by 0.040, secure Energy Management System Certification for 50 factories, and achieve 100% carbon footprint accounting for major categories of smart home appliances. This is aligned with the Sustainable Development Report Standards of the Global Report Standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The new report and campaign focuses on four dimensions: Protect the Blue Planet, Build a Harmonious Community, Practice 'Bring Great Innovations to Life', and Jointly Create the Prosperous Ecology. The campaign: Midea’s ESG

DC Secretary Announces Annual Determinations Committees Outcome28.3.2024 21:14:00 CET | Press release

DC Administration Services, Inc. has today announced the composition of five regional Determinations Committees (DCs), effective from April 27, 2024. Voting Dealers (for all regions): Voting Non-Dealers (for all regions): Bank of America N.A. Citadel LLC Barclays Bank plc Elliott Management Corporation BNP Paribas Pacific Investment Management Company LLC Citibank, N.A. Deutsche Bank AG Goldman Sachs International JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Voting Dealer for the Americas, EMEA, AEJ, and Japan Determination Committees: Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. The process for selecting DC members is specified in the DC rules. The DC rules, along with more information about the Determinations Committees and what they do can be found at the Determinations Committees website: https://www.cdsdeterminationscommittees.org/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328441002/en/Contact information Press Inquiries: Orlando Figueroa orlando.figueroa@citadelspv.com

HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye