Takeda and TiGenix report new data highlighting maintenance of long-term remission of complex perianal Fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients with Cx601

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) (“Takeda”) and TiGenix NV (Euronext Brussels and Nasdaq: TIG) (“TiGenix”) today announced new data from the Phase 3 ADMIRE-CD clinical trial, which indicated that investigational compound Cx601, a suspension of allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (eASC), maintained long-term remission of treatment refractory complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease over 52 weeks.1 Results were presented at the 12th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO).

The ADMIRE-CD trial is a randomized, double-blind, controlled, Phase 3 trial, designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the investigational compound Cx601 for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease.2 Patients were randomized to a single administration of Cx601 cells or placebo (control), both added to standard of care. A significantly greater proportion of patients in the Cx601 group versus in the control group achieved clinical and radiological combined remission* (56.3% and 38.6%; p=0.010), and clinical remission (59.2% and 41.6%; p=0.013) at week 52 in the modified intention-to-treat population (mITT).1 Of those mITT patients who had shown combined remission at week 24, a greater number in the Cx601 group versus the control group reported no relapse at week 52 (75.0% and 55.9%).1 The rates and types of treatment related adverse events (non-serious and serious) and discontinuations due to adverse events were indicated to be similar in both groups (Cx601: 20.4%; control: 26.5%).1

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which is thought to affect up to 1.6 million people in Europe.3 Complex perianal fistulas are a complication for people living with Crohn’s disease and there are limited treatment options. Recognizing the rare and debilitating nature of the disorder and lack of treatment options, in 2009 the European Commission granted Cx601 orphan designation for the treatment of perianal fistula. In March 2016, TiGenix announced that it submitted the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Cx601, and a decision by the EMA is expected in 2017. Additionally, in September 2016 orphan drug status was received from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) regarding Cx601 for the rare disease complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease.4

“Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease is difficult to treat with currently available therapies and often leads to pain, swelling, infection and incontinence,” said Dr. Asit Parikh, head of Takeda’s Gastroenterology Therapeutic Area Unit. “Existing therapies are limited and associated with complications and a high failure rate. Cx601 may offer patients an alternative treatment option.”

“These data highlight that the efficacy and safety of a single administration of Cx601 were maintained during one year of follow up,” said Dr. Marie Paule Richard, Chief Medical Officer at TiGenix. “It is important to also note that the definition of combined remission used in the ADMIRE-CD study, which includes both clinical and radiological assessment by MRI, is more stringent than the criteria commonly used in previous large scale, randomized clinical trials evaluating perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease, based only on clinical assessment.”

A global pivotal Phase 3 trial for US registration with Cx601 for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas is expected to be initiated by TiGenix in 2017. In the U.S., TiGenix intends to apply for fast track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which would facilitate and expedite the development and review process in the U.S.

Takeda’s Commitment to Gastroenterology

Takeda is a global leader in gastroenterology. With expertise spanning more than 25 years, the company’s dedication to innovation continues to evolve and have a lasting impact. ENTYVIO® (vedolizumab) demonstrates Takeda’s global capabilities and expansion into the specialty care market in gastroenterology and biologics. Designed and developed specifically to target the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, ENTYVIO was launched in 2014 for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. TAKECAB® (vonoprazan fumarate) is Takeda's potassium-competitive acid blocker and was launched in Japan in 2015. Takeda also markets motility agent AMITIZA® (lubiprostone), which originally launched in 2006 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation, and received subsequent approval to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and opioidinduced constipation. Preceding these notable launches, Takeda pioneered gastroenterological breakthroughs in proton pump inhibitors beginning in the 1990’s with lansoprazole. Through specialized and strategic in-house development, external partnerships, in-licensing and acquisitions, Takeda currently has a number of promising early stage GI assets in development, and remains committed to delivering innovative, therapeutic options for patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

* defined as clinical assessment of closure of all treated external openings draining at baseline, despite gentle finger
compression, and absence of collections >2cm confirmed by MRI