The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the approval of lazertinib (LAZCLUZE), in combination with amivantamab (RYBREVANT), for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations. This decision marks a significant step forward in the treatment of this specific subset of lung cancer patients.
The CHMP's positive opinion is supported by data from the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study (NCT04487080), a trial evaluating amivantamab in combination with lazertinib compared to osimertinib as a first-line treatment. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS). At a median follow-up of 22 months, the combination therapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 30% compared to osimertinib (median PFS: 23.7 months vs. 16.6 months; hazard ratio [HR]=0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.85; P<0.001).
Clinical Implications
Henar Hevia, Ph.D., Senior Director, EMEA Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, stated that the amivantamab with lazertinib combination could establish a new first-line standard of care, potentially delaying disease progression and improving outcomes early in the treatment pathway. This approach could also reserve chemotherapy regimens for later stages of treatment when resistance mechanisms become more complex.
About the MARIPOSA Study
The MARIPOSA study is a Phase 3 trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amivantamab in combination with lazertinib compared to osimertinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations. The primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival. The results indicate a clinically meaningful benefit for patients receiving the combination therapy.
Current Treatment Landscape
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC require new targeted treatment options. The potential approval of the amivantamab and lazertinib combination represents a significant advancement in addressing this unmet need.
