Ziihera, the first and only FDA-approved dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody for HER2+ (IHC 3+) BTC, is now commercially available in the United States
For U.S. media and investors only
DUBLIN, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced that zanidatamab-hrii (Ziihera®) 50 mg/mL for injection for intravenous use is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) as a category 2A treatment option for Biliary Tract Cancers (BTC).
Ziihera was granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 20, 2024, for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) BTC, as detected by an FDA-approved test. The FDA approval of Ziihera was based on results from the HERIZON-BTC-01 clinical trial including a 52% objective response rate and median duration of response of 14.9 months as determined by independent central review (ICR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.1 Ziihera is now commercially available to prescribers and customers in the U.S. and is available for purchase from authorized Specialty Distributors.
"The addition of Ziihera to the NCCN Guidelines® in Oncology reaffirms the importance of this advancement in treating BTC and supports our commitment to ensuring that HER2-positive BTC patients, through their health care professionals, can access this important new therapeutic option," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development, and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Ziihera is the first and only dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody and chemotherapy-free treatment for patients living with BTC – a disease with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. We are excited to deliver this new treatment option to patients in the United States following its accelerated approval."
The NCCN Guidelines play a pivotal role in decision-making processes for individuals involved in cancer care all over the world, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, payers, and patients and their families. The guidelines present expert recommendations for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as cancer care options, and is utilized in cancer treatment decision-making to drive positive patient outcomes.
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More information about Ziihera, the Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Patient Information, is available here.
About Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii)Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) is a bispecific HER2-directed antibody that binds to two extracellular sites on HER2. Binding of zanidatamab-hrii with HER2 results in internalization leading to a reduction of the receptor on the tumor cell surface. Zanidatamab-hrii induces complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). These mechanisms result in tumor growth inhibition and cell death in vitro and in vivo.1 In the United States, Ziihera is indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer (BTC), as detected by an FDA-approved test.1 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for this indication based on overall 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(s).1
Zanidatamab is not approved anywhere else in the world.
Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeiGene, Ltd. (BeiGene) under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule.
The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for zanidatamab development in patients with previously treated HER2-amplified BTC, and two Fast Track designations for zanidatamab: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy for first line gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from FDA for the treatment of BTC and GEA, as well as Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC and gastric cancer.
Important Safety Information |
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITYExposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patientsof the risk and need for effective contraception. |
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Embryo-Fetal ToxicityZIIHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In literature reports, use of a HER2-directed antibody during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death.
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ZIIHERA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy or within 4 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZIIHERA and for 4 months following the last dose of ZIIHERA.
Left Ventricular DysfunctionZIIHERA can cause decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF declined by >10% and decreased to 2% of patients included biliary obstruction (15%), biliary tract infection (8%), sepsis (8%), pneumonia (5%), diarrhea (3.8%), gastric obstruction (3.8%), and fatigue (2.5%). A fatal adverse reaction of hepatic failure occurred in one patient who received ZIIHERA.
The most common adverse reactions in 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA (≥20%) were diarrhea (50%), infusion-related reaction (35%), abdominal pain (29%), and fatigue (24%).
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pediatric UseSafety and efficacy of ZIIHERA have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric UseOf the 80 patients who received ZIIHERA for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC, there were 39 (49%) patients 65 years of age and older. Thirty-seven (46%) were aged 65-74 years old and 2 (3%) were aged 75 years or older.
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger adult patients.
About Biliary Tract CancerBTC, including gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, account for