Ibrutinib Results Suggest Potential To Shake Up CLL Market

17 Dec 2012

• By Emily Hayes

Momentum builds for Pharmacyclics/J&J’s ibrutinib with release of new data at the American Society of Hematology meeting, suggesting the drug has a shot at accelerated approval in sub-populations with high unmet need and potential in a range of B-cell cancers. Profiles of competitors from Gilead and Infinity/Takeda also came into greater focus at ASH.

The presentation of results for Pharmacyclics Inc./Johnson & Johnson’s oral BTK inhibitor ibrutinib at the American Society of Hematology meeting spurred talk of a potential for a change in the standard of care for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with potential to shift treatment away from a chemotherapy-based, all-intravenous approach toward targeted oral therapy.

Ibrutinib (PCI-32765) inhibits Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, a target at the heart of B-cell receptor signaling. Janssen Biotech licensed co-development rights...