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FDA Approves New Indication for Gilotrif (afatinib) in EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC

Ridgefield, Conn., January 16, 2018 – Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Gilotrif (afatinib) for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. The new label includes data on three additional EGFR mutations: L861Q, G719X and S768I. The FDA granted Priority Review status to Gilotrif in evaluating this application.

Gilotrif, an oral, once-daily tablet, was previously approved in the U.S. for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC whose tumors have EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. In addition, Gilotrif is approved in the U.S. for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung whose disease has progressed after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.

“With this expanded indication for Gilotrif, NSCLC patients whose tumors have certain EGFR mutations now have an approved therapy that specifically targets these mutations,” said Sabine Luik, M.D., senior vice president of Medicine & Regulatory Affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “This approval is a result of our company’s commitment to delivering meaningful treatment advances in areas with high unmet medical need and reflects the tireless efforts of physicians, researchers and patients who participated in our studies.”

The sNDA approval is based on a pooled analysis of three studies from the LUX-Lung clinical trial program (Phase II LUX-Lung 2 study and Phase III studies LUX-Lung 3 and LUX-Lung 6) that examined Gilotrif in NSCLC patients whose tumors have EGFR mutations, including L861Q, G719X or S768I. This analysis showed that Gilotrif was active in these EGFR mutations based on objective response rate, duration of response, disease control, progression-free survival and overall survival.

“Compared with other EGFR mutations, L861Q, G719X or S768I substitution mutations are associated with a poorer prognosis and limited treatment options,” said Edward Kim, M.D., Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System. “The approval of Gilotrif as a targeted therapy for these additional non-resistant EGFR mutations significantly alters the treatment strategy for this population.”

To determine if a patient is eligible for Gilotrif, physicians must conduct a test for genetic mutations – also known as biomarker testing – to determine the type of EGFR mutation present.

“This approval is more welcome news for our lung cancer community,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance. “These types of advances are helping expand access to treatment options for patients who might benefit from targeted therapies to fight their specific type of lung cancer.”

About NSCLC

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer. In some people, genetic mutations lead to the constant activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, which is associated with uncontrolled cell division and the development and progression of NSCLC. Most cases of EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC are attributed to the two most common EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions or L858R). Approximately 10 percent of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations have rare or uncommon mutations, and have had limited treatment options available to them.

About Boehringer Ingelheim in Oncology

Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology research is driven by a passion to advance clinical practice and a determination to improve the lives of patients who are battling cancer. Through our own scientific innovation and partnerships, we are focused on discovering and providing novel best-in-class, breakthrough cancer medications that fit the needs of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. We have a clear strategy to become a leader in the field of lung cancer. Boehringer Ingelheim has successfully launched two products globally for NSCLC that have been widely adopted and established as valuable additions to current clinical practice. Continuous insights and learnings from research and development are key parts of innovation and our way forward to advance clinical practice in lung cancer and other cancer types.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with 145 affiliates and about 50,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and their families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. To learn more about how we make more health for more people, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $17.6 billion (15.9 billion euros). R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.6 percent of its net sales.

Source: Boehringer Ingelheim

Posted: January 2018

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