• Rozlytrek approved for ROS1 fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer following MHLW approval of Rozlytrek for NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors last year
• ROS1 fusion gene is found in 1 to 2% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and is one of the important cancer-driver genes in the treatment of lung cancer

TOKYO, February 21, 2020 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced today that it obtained approval for an additional indication of an anticancer agent/tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Rozlytrek^® (generic name: entrectinib) for the treatment of ROS1 fusion-positive, unresectable, advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

“We are very pleased to announce the approval of Rozlytrek for the treatment in adults with ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC. Rozlytrek was launched last year as Chugai’s first product to embody advanced personalized healthcare for the treatment of patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors regardless of their age or site of origin,” said Dr. Osamu Okuda, Executive Vice President, Co-Head of Project & Lifecycle Management Unit. “ROS1 is an important cancer-driver gene found in 1 to 2% of patients with NSCLC. Offering Rozlytrek as a new treatment option for ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC patients, we will continue making efforts to contribute to the progress in advanced personalized medicine.”

This approval is based mainly on the results of an open-label, multicenter, global phase II STARTRK-2 study. Efficacy was evaluated in ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC cohort from the STARTRK-2 study while safety was evaluated in two overseas phase I studies (STARTRK-1 study and ALKA-372-001 study) in addition to STARTRK-2 study.

FoundationOne CDx^® Cancer Genomic Profile is used as a companion diagnostic to identify people that could potentially benefit from Rozlyterk for the ROS1 fusion-positive, unresectable, advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The MHLW granted the approval for the expanded use of FoundationOne CDx Cancer Genomic Profile as a companion diagnostic of Rozlytrek on December 25, 2019.

As a leading company in the field of oncology, Chugai is committed to contribute to patients and medical professionals through realization of advanced personalized healthcare.

[Reference information]
Chugai Obtains Approval for Expanded Use of FoundationOne CDx Cancer Genomic Profile as a Companion Diagnostic of Rozlytrek for ROS1-positive Lung Cancer (A press release issued by Chugai on December 26, 2019)
https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/news/detail/20191226113000_678.html

Roche’s investigational medicine entrectinib showed a durable response of more than two years in people with a specific type of lung cancer (A press release issued by Roche on September 24, 2018)
https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2018-09-24c.htm

Approval information The underlined part has been newly added.

About Rozlytrek
Rozlytrek is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks ROS1 (c-ros oncogene 1) and TRK (neurotrophin receptors) family strongly and selectively. It blocks ROS1 and TRK kinase activity, and inhibits proliferation of cancer cells with ROS1 or NTRK gene fusions. Rozlytrek was approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors that harbor NTRK1/2/3 gene fusions on June 18, 2019 and was launched on September 4, 2019.

About ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC
ROS1 fusion gene is an abnormal gene that can be formed by fusing the ROS1 gene and other genes (CD74, etc.) as a result of chromosomal translocation for some reason. The ROS1 fusion kinase made from ROS1 fusion gene is thought to promote cancer cell proliferation. ROS1 fusion gene is found in about 1 to 2% of NSCLC, among which it is more expressed in adenocarcinoma.¹⁾

[Reference]

1. Bergethon K, Shaw AT, Ou SH, et al. ROS1 rearrangements define a unique molecular class of lung cancers. J Clin Oncol 2012;30:863-70.