Novartis CDK4/6 inhibitor LEE011 receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation

LEE001 potential first-line treatment for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.

The Breakthrough Therapy designation is based primarily on positive results of the Phase III MONALEESA-2 trial of LEE011 in combination with letrozole in postmenopausal women who had received no prior therapy for their advanced disease. The MONALEESA-2 trial met the primary endpoint of clinically meaningful improvement in progression free survival (PFS) at a pre-planned interim analysis. Results of this study will be presented at an upcoming medical congress and will form the basis of regulatory discussions in the US, Europe and other countries for use in this indication.

"Despite advancements in treatment, an estimated 40,000 individuals in the US die each year from advanced breast cancer," said Alessandro Riva, Global Head, Oncology Development and Medical Affairs, Novartis Oncology. "This designation shows the potential of LEE011, and we look forward to close collaboration with the FDA and the advanced breast cancer community to provide a new treatment option for women living with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer as quickly as possible."

Up to one-third of patients with early-stage breast cancer will subsequently develop metastatic disease. Metastatic breast cancer is the most serious form of the disease and occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, bones or liver. Advanced breast cancer comprises metastatic breast cancer (stage 4) and locally advanced breast cancer (stage 3). Survival rates for women living with advanced breast cancer are lower than those for women with earlier stage disease. The 5-year relative survival rate for stage 3 breast cancer is approximately 72%, while metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 22%.

The LEE011 Breakthrough Therapy designation marks the 11th designation the FDA has granted to Novartis since the agency initiated the program in 2013, demonstrating Novartis' commitment to developing innovative treatments for diseases with a significant unmet medical need.