NEW YORK, May 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TGTX), today announced positive topline results from the global UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial evaluating the combination of umbralisib plus ublituximab (U2) compared to obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in patients with previously untreated and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The trial met its primary endpoint at a prespecified interim analysis demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) (p<.0001), and will be stopped early for superior efficacy. PFS was assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC), and benefit was also seen across both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory patient populations. The UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial is being conducted under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

An independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) conducted the interim analysis and made the recommendation to stop the trial early based on the positive results. Secondary endpoints, including safety, were not reviewed by the DSMB at this meeting. Data from this study is intended to support a regulatory submission targeted by year-end 2020 for U2 in both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL patients and will be submitted for presentation at a future medical conference.

Michael S. Weiss, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TG Therapeutics stated, “We could not be more excited to share the positive topline results. As a company we have been focused on developing the best possible treatments, including novel combinations for individuals with B-cell diseases, and today’s announcement truly marks the culmination of years of hard work and a major step forward in our mission. This outcome sets the stage for the potential approval of U2 as a novel, chemotherapy-free, treatment regimen for patients with CLL, whether they have relapsed from or are refractory to a prior therapy or have never been treated before.”  Mr. Weiss continued, “We are extremely pleased with the performance of U2 in this study and very happy we were able to stop the study at this interim analysis due to the superior efficacy observed. We want to thank the patients, their families, and the doctors and research teams who participated in this trial, as well as our extraordinary team at TG who made this study a success. We look forward to submitting this data to the FDA and presenting the full results at a major medical meeting targeted by year-end 2020.”

John Gribben, MD, DSc, FRCP, FRCPath, FMed Sci, Professor of Medical Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK, and Global Study Chair for the UNITY-CLL study stated, "It’s extremely gratifying to see positive results for this important trial exploring the combination of umbralisib and ublituximab in patients with both front-line and relapsed/refractory CLL. Today’s outcome marks the first successful Phase 3 trial of a PI3K delta-based regimen in a CLL patient population that included previously untreated patients.” Dr. Gribben continued, “CLL remains incurable and new treatment options are still very much needed, particularly those that provide a differentiated mechanism and safety profile from our currently available treatment options.”

ABOUT UNITY-CLL PHASE 3 TRIAL

UNITY-CLL is a global Phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the combination of ublituximab plus umbralisib, or U2, to an active control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in patients with both treatment-naïve and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The trial randomized patients into four treatment arms: ublituximab single agent, umbralisib single agent, ublituximab plus umbralisib and an active control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. A prespecified analysis was conducted to assess the contribution of ublituximab and umbralisib in the U2 combination arm and allowed for the termination of the single agent arms. Accordingly, the UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial continued enrollment in a 1:1 ratio into the two combination arms: the investigational arm of U2 and the control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. Full enrollment into the UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial completed in October of 2017 with approximately 420 subjects enrolled to the two combinations arms. This trial enrolled approximately 60% treatment-naïve CLL patients and 40% relapsed or refractory CLL patients. The primary endpoint for this study was superior Progression Free Survival (PFS) for the U2 combination compared to the control arm to support the submission for full approval of the U2 combination in CLL. The UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial is being conducted under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

ABOUT CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of adult leukemia, and in 2020 it is estimated there will be more than 20,000 new cases of CLL diagnosed in the United States1. Although signs of CLL may disappear for a period of time after initial treatment, the disease is considered incurable and many people will require additional treatment due to the return of malignant cells.

ABOUT TG THERAPEUTICS, INC.

TG Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of novel treatments for B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Currently, the company is developing multiple therapies targeting hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Ublituximab (TG-1101) is a novel, glycoengineered monoclonal antibody that targets a specific and unique epitope on the CD20 antigen found on mature B-lymphocytes. TG Therapeutics is also developing umbralisib (TGR-1202), an oral, once-daily dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and CK1-epsilon, which may lead to a differentiated safety profile. Both ublituximab and umbralisib, or the combination of which is referred to as "U2", are in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with hematologic malignancies, with ublituximab also in Phase 3 clinical development for Multiple Sclerosis. Additionally, the Company has recently brought into Phase 1 clinical development its anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, cosibelimab (TG-1501), its covalently-bound Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor, TG-1701, as well as its anti-CD47/CD19 bispecific antibody, TG-1801. TG Therapeutics is headquartered in New York City.

1 Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia – Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 
https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/clyl.html

Source: TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Posted: May 2020