Bristol Myers Squibb and Acceleron Pharma Inc. announced the first data from the Phase 2 BEYOND study evaluating Reblozyl(luspatercept-aamt), a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent, plus best supportive care in adult patients with non-transfusion dependent (NTD) beta thalassemia, were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2021 Virtual Congress as part of its Presidential Symposium (Abstract #S101). Results demonstrated that 77.7% of patients treated with Reblozyl achieved a hemoglobin increase (≥1.0 gram/deciliter) compared to 0% of patients in the placebo arm. Changes in patient-reported outcomes also correlated with increases in hemoglobin. NTD beta thalassemia is a term used to describe patients who do not require lifelong regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for survival, although they may require occasional or even frequent transfusions, usually for defined periods of time.
“Patients with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia experience chronic anemia and iron overload, which may lead to a range of clinical complications, and treatment options are greatly needed,” said Ali Taher, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, of American University of Beirut and BEYOND study investigator. “Results from the BEYOND study show the clinical potential of luspatercept to sustain the elevation of hemoglobin levels in a majority of patients regardless of their baseline hemoglobin status, and improvements were noted in quality of life outcomes in adults with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia.”
Reblozyl is the first and only erythroid maturation agent approved in the European Union, United States and Canada to address anemia-associated beta thalassemia and lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, representing an important class of therapy for eligible patients.
“We are very encouraged by the magnitude of improvement seen among Reblozyl-treated patients in the BEYOND trial,” said Habib Dable, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acceleron. “These data further strengthen our confidence in Reblozyl’s potential to become a meaningful option for this important, underserved patient population around the world.”
“The results we are presenting at EHA continue to highlight multiple benefits observed with Reblozyl to treat anemia and achieve transfusion independence, as well as show its potential for patients with non-transfusion dependent disease who face a range of serious, often lifelong health complications,” said Noah Berkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, Hematology Development, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Along with our partners at Acceleron, we are committed to advancing our clinical program for Reblozyl for patients living with anemia-associated blood disorders.”