The FINANCIAL — Novartis announced on December 5 that five-year treatment with Jakavi (ruxolitinib) suggested an overall survival advantage for patients with myelofibrosis (MF), despite crossover to Jakavi from the best available therapy arm after the primary analysis at 48 weeks (intent-to-treat analysis: 33% reduction in risk of death, hazard ratio=0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44-1.02], crossover-corrected hazard ratio=0.44 [95% CI, 0.18-1.04]).
In the COMFORT-II (COntrolled MyeloFibrosis Study with ORal JAK Inhibitor Therapy) Phase III study, more than half of the patients with MF (53.4%) also experienced significant reductions (>=35%) in spleen size with Jakavi therapy, and sustained this benefit over prolonged periods of time (median duration of 3.2 years). Findings from this study were presented at the 57th American Society of Hematology Meeting (ASH) in Orlando, Florida, according to Novartis.
“Given that patients with myelofibrosis have shortened survival expectations and are at an increased risk of complications, the five-year findings from COMFORT-II demonstrate a long-term benefit with Jakavi therapy that is meaningful to the community,” said Claire Harrison, MD, study investigator and Consultant Hematologist, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London. “These data help to confirm the important role Jakavi plays in these difficult-to-treat patients.”
In addition to the Jakavi data presented at ASH, Novartis announced that a separate Phase III study met its primary endpoint-patients with polycythemia vera (PV) resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea who did not have an enlarged spleen who were treated with Jakavi maintained hematocrit control without the need for phlebotomy. In the Phase III RESPONSE 2 (Randomized Study of Efficacy and Safety in POlycythemia Vera with JAK INhibitor Ruxolitinib VerSus BEst Available Care) study, the safety profile of Jakavi was consistent with previous studies. Full results from the trial continue to be evaluated and will be presented at a future medical congress.
“The growing body of research confirms the benefit of Jakavi for patients with rare blood cancers, such as myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera, who have limited treatment options,” said Alessandro Riva, MD, Global Head, Novartis Oncology Development and Medical Affairs. “In addition to exhibiting long-term benefits in myelofibrosis, Jakavi also showed potential to benefit a broader population of patients with polycythemia vera, bringing hope to another underserved patient community.”
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