The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to BGB-16673 for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). This designation aims to expedite the development and review of new drugs that treat serious conditions and fill unmet medical needs. BGB-16673, an orally available Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)-targeting chimeric degradation activation compound, represents a novel approach to targeting BTK in B-cell malignancies.
The FDA's decision is based on data from a phase 1/2 study (NCT05006716) that evaluated the dose-escalation and expansion of BGB-16673 in patients with various B-cell malignancies, including marginal zone lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, CLL, SLL, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of BGB-16673.
"We believe BGB-16673 strengthens our hematology leadership and complements zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) the backbone for our investigational hematology pipeline. BGB-16673 is the most advanced BTK degrader in the clinic and is well-suited to become an important therapy for patients progressing after BTK inhibitors who have limited options," said Mehrdad Mobasher, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of Hematology at BeiGene.
If the criteria are met, BGB-16673 may be eligible for accelerated approval and priority review. This could provide a significant benefit to patients with R/R CLL/SLL who have progressed on or are intolerant to existing BTK inhibitors. The Fast Track designation underscores the potential of BGB-16673 to address an unmet need in this patient population.
