Takeda’s Alunbrig granted accelerated approval for Metastatic NSCLC

This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Alunbrig, which previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, is a once-daily oral therapy that may be taken with or without food.

D. Ross Camidge, M.D., Ph.D., director of thoracic oncology at the University of Colorado, said: “In recent years, small molecule ALK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment options for those with advanced ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, there is still a need for additional ALK inhibitors like brigatinib (Alunbrig), which have a manageable safety profile and may address mechanisms of clinical resistance to crizotinib, including progression in the central nervous system.

“The ALTA trial showed that brigatinib (Alunbrig) was highly effective post-crizotinib with the majority of patients who received 180 mg once daily with a seven-day lead in at 90 mg once daily achieving an overall response and a median duration of response greater than one year. Importantly, the extent of activity among those with brain metastases was also notable.”

“For patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib, who are facing the uncertainty of disease progression and the potentially devastating impact of brain metastases, the approval of Alunbrig offers a new hope,” said Bonnie Addario, founder and chair of the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF).

“The rapid development of Alunbrig is a tribute to the dedication of many research scientists and clinicians who carefully designed and developed this new medicine to address unmet medical needs in the ALK+ NSCLC patient population. Most importantly, we would like to thank the patients and families who participated in the clinical trials,” said Andy Plump, M.D., Ph.D., Takeda Chief Medical and Scientific Officer.

“Today’s FDA approval of Alunbrig is an important milestone in the treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib,” said Christophe Bianchi, M.D., President, Takeda Oncology. “Takeda is committed to the continued development of Alunbrig around the globe and to bringing this important therapy to more patients in need.”