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April 29, 2019 5:45 am ET

AstraZeneca and Merck’s LYNPARZA Is the Only PARP Inhibitor in This Setting to Demonstrate an Improvement in Progression-Free Survival for Patients Who Responded to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AstraZeneca and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United
States and Canada, today announced that the Committee for Medicinal
Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has
adopted a positive opinion, recommending LYNPARZA as a first-line
maintenance treatment in BRCA-mutated advanced ovarian cancer.

The CHMP’s recommendation is for the use of LYNPARZA as monotherapy for
the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced (FIGO
stages III and IV) BRCA1/2-mutated (germline and/or somatic)
high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal
cancer who are in response (complete or partial) following completion of
first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Dave Fredrickson, executive vice-president, oncology, AstraZeneca, said,
“There remains a significant unmet need in the treatment of advanced
ovarian cancer as 70% of women, globally, relapse within the first three
years after their initial treatment. The results of SOLO-1 demonstrate
the potential of using LYNPARZA earlier in the treatment pathway as a
maintenance therapy, and they reinforce the importance of identifying a
patient’s BRCA mutation status as soon as they are diagnosed.”

Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical
development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories, said,
“Women with advanced ovarian cancer need and deserve new treatment
options. In the SOLO-1 trial, LYNPARZA demonstrated a significant
progression-free survival benefit as maintenance treatment for patients
with advanced, BRCA-mutated, ovarian cancer following
response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. If approved, this
expanded indication could change the way women in Europe with BRCA-mutated
advanced ovarian cancer are treated.”

The EMA committee’s positive opinion is based on data from the Phase 3
SOLO-1 trial which showed that LYNPARZA reduced the risk of disease
progression or death by 70% versus placebo following response to
platinum-based chemotherapy (HR 0.30 [95% CI 0.23-0.41], p<0.001).

LYNPARZA is currently approved in over 64 countries, including those in
the EU, for the maintenance treatment of platinum-sensitive relapsed
ovarian cancer regardless of BRCA status. It is approved in the
U.S. as first-line maintenance treatment in BRCAm advanced
ovarian cancer following response to platinum-based chemotherapy. It is
also approved in 38 countries, including the U.S., countries in the EU
and Japan, for germline BRCAm HER2-negative metastatic breast
cancer previously treated with chemotherapy; in the EU this includes
locally advanced breast cancer. Regulatory reviews are underway in other
jurisdictions for both ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

About SOLO-1

SOLO-1 was a Phase 3, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled,
multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LYNPARZA
tablets (300 mg twice daily) as maintenance monotherapy compared with
placebo in patients with BRCAm advanced ovarian cancer following
first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The trial randomized 391
patients with a deleterious or suspected deleterious germline or somatic BRCA1
or BRCA2 mutation who were in complete or partial clinical
response following platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomized
(2:1) to receive LYNPARZA or placebo for up to two years or until
disease progression. Patients who had a partial response at two years
were permitted to stay on therapy at the investigator’s discretion. The
primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and key secondary
endpoints included time to second disease progression or death, time to
first subsequent treatment and overall survival.

The data were presented on Oct. 21, 2018, at the Presidential Symposium
of the ESMO 2018 Congress in Munich, Germany and published
simultaneously online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Summary of PFS i,ii
		Lynparza (n=260)		Placebo (n=131)
Number of patients with event (%) iii		102 (39)		96 (73)
Median (in months)		Not reached		13.8
Hazard ratio (95% CI)		0.30 (0.23-0.41)
P-value		p<0.001

i		Investigator-assessed
ii		Median (interquartile range) duration of follow-up 40.7 months (34.9–42.9) for Lynparza and 41.2 months (32.2–41.6) for placebo
iii		Analysis was done at 50.6% maturity

The SOLO-1 safety profile was in line with that observed in prior
clinical trials. The most common adverse events (AEs) ≥ 20% were nausea
(77%), fatigue (64%), vomiting (40%), anemia (39%) and diarrhea (34%).
The most common ≥ Grade 3 AEs were anemia (22%) and neutropenia (8%).
Seventy-one percent of patients on LYNPARZA remained on the recommended
starting dose. Additionally, 88% of patients on LYNPARZA continued
treatment without an AE-related discontinuation. Further, 48% of
patients on LYNPARZA did not have a dose interruption as a result of an
AE.

About Ovarian Cancer

Approximately 20,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with ovarian cancer
(including ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers) each
year. Among women in the U.S., it is the ninth most common cancer and
the fifth leading cause of cancer death. The risk of developing ovarian
cancer is increased in women with specific inherited genetic
abnormalities, including BRCA mutations.

About BRCA Mutations

Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
are human genes that produce proteins responsible for repairing damaged
DNA and play an important role in maintaining the genetic stability of
cells. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered, such that its
protein product either is not made or does not function correctly, DNA
damage may not be repaired properly, and cells become unstable. As a
result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations
that can lead to cancer.

About LYNPARZA

^®

(olaparib)

LYNPARZA is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor and the first targeted
treatment to potentially exploit DNA damage response (DDR) pathway
deficiencies, such as BRCA mutations, to preferentially kill
cancer cells. Inhibition of PARP with LYNPARZA leads to the trapping of
PARP bound to DNA single-strand breaks, stalling of replication forks,
their collapse and the generation of DNA double-strand breaks and cancer
cell death. LYNPARZA is being tested in a range of tumor types with
defects and dependencies in the DDR.

LYNPARZA, which is being jointly developed and commercialized by
AstraZeneca and Merck, has a broad and advanced clinical trial
development program, and AstraZeneca and Merck are working together to
understand how it may affect multiple PARP-dependent tumors as a
monotherapy and in combination across multiple cancer types.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no contraindications for LYNPARZA.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML): Occurred
in <1.5% of patients exposed to LYNPARZA monotherapy, and the majority
of events had a fatal outcome. The duration of therapy in patients who
developed secondary MDS/AML varied from <6 months to >2 years. All of
these patients had previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or
other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy, and some also had a
history of more than one primary malignancy or of bone marrow dysplasia.

Do not start LYNPARZA until patients have recovered from hematological
toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (≤Grade 1). Monitor complete
blood count for cytopenia at baseline and monthly thereafter for
clinically significant changes during treatment. For prolonged
hematological toxicities, interrupt LYNPARZA and monitor blood count
weekly until recovery.

If the levels have not recovered to Grade 1 or less after 4 weeks, refer
the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone
marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. Discontinue LYNPARZA
if MDS/AML is confirmed.

Pneumonitis: Occurred in <1% of patients exposed to LYNPARZA, and
some cases were fatal. If patients present with new or worsening
respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever, or a
radiological abnormality occurs, interrupt LYNPARZA treatment and
initiate prompt investigation. Discontinue LYNPARZA if pneumonitis is
confirmed and treat patient appropriately.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and
findings in animals, LYNPARZA can cause fetal harm. A pregnancy test is
recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating
treatment.

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a
fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6
months following the last dose.

Males

Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential or
who are pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment and for
3 months following the last dose of LYNPARZA and to not donate sperm
during this time.

ADVERSE REACTIONS—First-Line Maintenance BRCAm Advanced
Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the first-line maintenance setting
for SOLO-1 were: nausea (77%), fatigue (67%), abdominal pain
(45%), vomiting (40%), anemia (38%), diarrhea (37%), constipation (28%),
upper respiratory tract infection/influenza/ nasopharyngitis/bronchitis
(28%), dysgeusia (26%), decreased appetite (20%), dizziness (20%),
neutropenia (17%), dyspepsia (17%), dyspnea (15%), leukopenia (13%), UTI
(13%), thrombocytopenia (11%), and stomatitis (11%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the first-line maintenance setting for
SOLO-1 were: decrease in hemoglobin (87%), increase in mean
corpuscular volume (87%), decrease in leukocytes (70%), decrease in
lymphocytes (67%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (51%), decrease
in platelets (35%), and increase in serum creatinine (34%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the maintenance setting for SOLO-2
were: nausea (76%), fatigue (including asthenia) (66%), anemia (44%),
vomiting (37%), nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection
(URI)/influenza (36%), diarrhea (33%), arthralgia/myalgia (30%),
dysgeusia (27%), headache (26%), decreased appetite (22%), and
stomatitis (20%).

Study 19: nausea (71%), fatigue (including asthenia) (63%),
vomiting (35%), diarrhea (28%), anemia (23%), respiratory tract
infection (22%), constipation (22%), headache (21%), decreased appetite
(21%), and dyspepsia (20%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the maintenance setting (SOLO-2/Study
19) were: increase in mean corpuscular volume (89%/82%), decrease in
hemoglobin (83%/82%), decrease in leukocytes (69%/58%), decrease in
lymphocytes (67%/52%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (51%/47%),
increase in serum creatinine (44%/45%), and decrease in platelets
(42%/36%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—Advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA for advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer
after 3 or more lines of chemotherapy (pooled from 6 studies) were:
fatigue/asthenia (66%), nausea (64%), vomiting (43%), anemia (34%),
diarrhea (31%), nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection (URI)
(26%), dyspepsia (25%), myalgia (22%), decreased appetite (22%), and
arthralgia/musculoskeletal pain (21%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in
clinical trials of LYNPARZA for advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer (pooled
from 6 studies) were: decrease in hemoglobin (90%), mean corpuscular
volume elevation (57%), decrease in lymphocytes (56%), increase in serum
creatinine (30%), decrease in platelets (30%), and decrease in absolute
neutrophil count (25%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—gBRCAm, HER2-negative metastatic breast
cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in OlympiAD
were: nausea (58%), anemia (40%), fatigue (including asthenia) (37%),
vomiting (30%), neutropenia (27%), respiratory tract infection (27%),
leukopenia (25%), diarrhea (21%), and headache (20%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in OlympiAD
were: decrease in hemoglobin (82%), decrease in lymphocytes (73%),
decrease in leukocytes (71%), increase in mean corpuscular volume (71%),
decrease in absolute neutrophil count (46%), and decrease in platelets
(33%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Anticancer Agents: Clinical studies of LYNPARZA in combination
with other myelosuppressive anticancer agents, including DNA-damaging
agents, indicate a potentiation and prolongation of myelosuppressive
toxicity.

CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate
CYP3A inhibitors. If a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor must be
co-administered, reduce the dose of LYNPARZA. Advise patients to avoid
grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice
during LYNPARZA treatment.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A
inducers when using LYNPARZA. If a moderate inducer cannot be avoided,
there is a potential for decreased efficacy of LYNPARZA.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: No data are available regarding the presence of
olaparib in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk
production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in
the breastfed infant, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during
treatment with LYNPARZA and for 1 month after receiving the final dose.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of LYNPARZA have not been
established in pediatric patients.

Hepatic Impairment: No adjustment to the starting dose is
required in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment
(Child-Pugh classification A and B). There are no data in patients with
severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification C).

Renal Impairment: No adjustment to the starting dose is necessary
in patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr=51-80 mL/min) but patients
should be monitored closely for toxicity. In patients with moderate
renal impairment (CLcr=31-50 mL/min), reduce the dose to 200 mg twice
daily. There are no data in patients with severe renal impairment or
end-stage renal disease (CLcr ≤30 mL/min).

INDICATIONS

LYNPARZA is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated:

First-Line Maintenance BRCAm Advanced Ovarian Cancer

For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with deleterious or
suspected deleterious germline or somatic BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm
or sBRCAm) advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or
primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to
first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Select patients with gBRCAm
advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent
epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who
are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer

For the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected
deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) advanced
ovarian cancer who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of
chemotherapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved
companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

gBRCAm, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

In patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm, human
epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast
cancer who have been treated with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant,
adjuvant or metastatic setting. Patients with hormone receptor
(HR)-positive breast cancer should have been treated with a prior
endocrine therapy or be considered inappropriate for endocrine therapy.
Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion
diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Please

click
here for complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information
(Medication Guide)

.

About the AstraZeneca and Merck Strategic Oncology Collaboration

In July 2017, AstraZeneca and Merck, known as MSD outside the United
States and Canada, announced a global strategic oncology collaboration
to co-develop and co-commercialize LYNPARZA, the world’s first PARP
inhibitor, and potential new medicine selumetinib, a MEK inhibitor, for
multiple cancer types. Working together, the companies will develop
LYNPARZA and selumetinib in combination with other potential new
medicines and as monotherapies. Independently, the companies will
develop LYNPARZA and selumetinib in combination with their respective
PD-L1 and PD-1 medicines.

Merck’s Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology
medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential
to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and
supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As
part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the
potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development
programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also
continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and
are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology
candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced
cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

About Merck

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical
company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been
inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of
the world’s most challenging diseases. Through our prescription
medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we
work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver
innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to
increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs
and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of
research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that
threaten people and communities around the world – including cancer,
cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease
and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information,
visit www.merck.com
and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube
and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the
“company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
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Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs
and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to
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respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the
necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be
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risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially
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Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry
conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest
rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of
pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the
United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost
containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained
by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to
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