- \n
- BREAKWATER trial Cohort 3 analysis demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival in<\/i> BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer<\/i><\/li>\n
- Results reinforce potential of BRAFTOVI as a cornerstone targeted treatment, if this regimen is approved<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–Pfizer Inc.<\/a> (NYSE: PFE) today announced positive topline progression-free (PFS) survival results from Cohort 3, a separate randomized cohort of the pivotal BREAKWATER trial, evaluating BRAFTOVI\u00ae<\/sup> (encorafenib) in combination with cetuximab (marketed as ERBITUX\u00ae<\/sup>) and FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation. The BRAFTOVI regimen demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS, a key secondary endpoint, as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) compared to treatment with FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab. Overall survival (OS), a descriptive secondary endpoint, also showed clinically meaningful prolonged improvement with the BRAFTOVI regimen.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThese results build on the positive objective response rate data we recently shared, providing further evidence of the meaningful benefit this BRAFTOVI-based targeted approach may offer patients with BRAF V600E<\/i>\u2013mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,\u201d said Jeff Legos, Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer. \u201cThe combination of significant responses and now improvement in progression\u2011free survival underscores the potential of BRAFTOVI as a potentially practice-changing treatment option for patients and families facing this challenging diagnosis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe primary endpoint of this cohort of BREAKWATER was objective response rate (ORR) by BICR. Positive ORR results were achieved and recently presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal (ASCO GI\u00ae<\/sup>) Cancers Symposium. At the time of the PFS analysis, the safety profile of BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI was consistent with the known profile of each regimen component and no new safety signals were identified.<\/p>\n
\nBRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI is an investigational regimen and is not currently approved. Detailed results from this cohort will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting and shared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support potential approval for BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI in patients with BRAF V600E<\/i>-mutant mCRC.<\/p>\n
\nBRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 received accelerated approval by the FDA in December 2024 for patients with BRAF V600E<\/i>-mutant mCRC based on a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in confirmed ORR in treatment-na\u00efve patients, one of the study\u2019s primary endpoints. Continued approval for this indication is contingent upon verification of clinical benefit.<\/p>\n
About BREAKWATER
\n
<\/b>BREAKWATER is a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial of BRAFTOVI with cetuximab, alone or in combination with chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI) in participants with previously untreated BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. Patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab (discontinued after randomization of 158 patients), BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (n=236) or mFOLFOX6, FOLFOXIRI, or CAPOX, with or without bevacizumab (control arm) (n=243). The dual primary endpoints for these study groups are ORR and PFS as assessed by BICR. OS is a key secondary endpoint. In Cohort 3, patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI (n=73) or FOLFIRI, with or without bevacizumab (control-arm) (n=74). The primary endpoint of Cohort 3 is ORR as assessed by BICR. PFS is a key secondary endpoint; OS is a secondary endpoint.<\/p>\nAbout Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
\n
<\/b>CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world, with approximately 1.8 million new diagnoses in 2022.1<\/sup> It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.2<\/sup> Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.2<\/sup> In the U.S. alone, an estimated 154,270 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2025, and approximately 53,000 are estimated to die from the disease each year.3<\/sup> For 20% of those diagnosed with CRC, the disease has metastasized, or spread, making it harder to treat, and up to 50% of patients with localized disease eventually develop metastases.4<\/sup><\/p>\nBRAF<\/i> mutations are estimated to occur in 8-12% of people with mCRC and represent a poor prognosis for these patients.5<\/sup> The BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation is the most common BRAF<\/i> mutation and the risk of mortality in CRC patients with the BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation is more than double that of patients with no known mutation present.5,6 <\/sup>Despite the high unmet need in BRAF V600E<\/i> -mutant mCRC, prior to December 20, 2024 there were no approved biomarker-driven therapies specifically indicated for people with previously untreated BRAF V600E<\/i> -mutant mCRC.7,8<\/sup><\/p>\n
About BRAFTOVI\u00ae<\/sup> (encorafenib)
\n
<\/b>BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF <\/i>V600E. Inappropriate activation of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK) has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including CRC.<\/p>\n\nPfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Japan and South Korea, Medison has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Israel and Pierre Fabre Laboratories has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in all other countries, including Europe and Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea).<\/p>\n
INDICATION AND USAGE
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<\/b>BRAFTOVI\u00ae<\/sup> (encorafenib) is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).<\/p>\n\nBRAFTOVI is also indicated, in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy.<\/p>\n
Limitations of Use<\/span>: BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF CRC.<\/p>\n
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION<\/b><\/p>\n
\nRefer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 for recommended dosing and additional safety information.<\/p>\n
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS<\/b><\/p>\n
New Primary Malignancies: <\/b>New primary malignancies, cutaneous and non-cutaneous, can occur. In BEACON CRC (previously treated BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation-positive mCRC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC), including keratoacanthoma (KA), occurred in 1.4% of patients with CRC, and a new primary melanoma occurred in 1.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC) skin papilloma was reported in 2.6%, basal cell carcinoma in 1.3%, squamous cell carcinoma of skin in 0.9%, keratoacanthoma in 0.4% and malignant melanoma in situ in 0.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiating treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of treatment. Manage suspicious skin lesions with excision and dermatopathologic evaluation. Dose modification is not recommended for new primary cutaneous malignancies. Based on its mechanism of action, BRAFTOVI may promote malignancies associated with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms. Monitor patients receiving BRAFTOVI for signs and symptoms of non-cutaneous malignancies. Discontinue BRAFTOVI for RAS mutation-positive non-cutaneous malignancies. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to initiation of treatment, while on treatment, and after discontinuation of treatment.<\/p>\n
Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors: <\/b>In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E<\/i> or V600K<\/i> mutation using an FDA-approved test prior to initiating BRAFTOVI.<\/p>\n
Cardiomyopathy: <\/b>Cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan prior to initiating treatment, 1 month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. The safety has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below 50% or below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored closely. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.<\/p>\n
Hepatotoxicity: <\/b>Hepatotoxicity can occur. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC), the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 increases in liver function laboratory tests in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 was 2.2% for alkaline phosphatase, 1.3% for ALT, and 0.9% for AST. Monitor liver laboratory tests before initiation of BRAFTOVI, monthly during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.<\/p>\n
Hemorrhage: <\/b>In BEACON CRC (previously treated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC), hemorrhage occurred in 19% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab; Grade 3 or higher hemorrhage occurred in 1.9% of patients, including fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 0.5% of patients. The most frequent hemorrhagic events were epistaxis (6.9%), hematochezia (2.3%), and rectal hemorrhage (2.3%). In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC), hemorrhage occurred in 30% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6; Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage occurred in 3% of patients. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.<\/p>\n
Uveitis: <\/b>Uveitis, including iritis and iridocyclitis, has been reported in patients treated with BRAFTOVI. Assess for visual symptoms at each visit. Perform an ophthalmological evaluation at regular intervals and for new or worsening visual disturbances, and to follow new or persistent ophthalmologic findings. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.<\/p>\n
QT Prolongation: <\/b>BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation in some patients. In BREAKWATER (previously untreated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC), an increase of QTcF >500 ms was measured in 3.6% (8\/222) of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Monitor patients who already have or who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation, including patients with known long QT syndromes, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias, severe or uncontrolled heart failure and those taking other medicinal products associated with QT prolongation. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia prior to and during BRAFTOVI administration. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue for QTc >500 ms.<\/p>\n
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: <\/b>BRAFTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. BRAFTOVI can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.<\/p>\n
Risks Associated with Combination Treatment: <\/b>BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with cetuximab, or in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Refer to the prescribing information for cetuximab and individual product components of mFOLFOX6 for additional risk information.<\/p>\n
Lactation: <\/b>Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with BRAFTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.<\/p>\n
Infertility: <\/b>Advise males of reproductive potential that BRAFTOVI may impair fertility.<\/p>\n
ADVERSE REACTIONS<\/b><\/p>\n
BREAKWATER Trial (previously untreated BRAF V600E<\/i> mutation-positive mCRC)<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Serious adverse reactions <\/b>occurred in 38% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6. Serious adverse reactions in >3% of patients included intestinal obstruction (3.5%) and pyrexia (3.5%).\n<\/li>\n
- Fatal gastrointestinal perforation<\/b> occurred in 0.9% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6.\n<\/li>\n
- Most common adverse reactions<\/b> (\u226525%, all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 \u00b1 bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI \u00b1 bevacizumab or CAPOX \u00b1 bevacizumab) were peripheral neuropathy (62% vs 53%), nausea (51% vs 48%), fatigue (49% vs 38%), rash (31% vs 4%), diarrhea (34% vs 47%), decreased appetite (33% vs 25%), vomiting (33% vs 21%), hemorrhage (30% vs 18%), abdominal pain (26% vs 27%), and pyrexia (26% vs 14%).\n<\/li>\n
- Most common laboratory abnormalities<\/b> (\u226510%, grade 3 or 4) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm compared to the control arm (mFOLFOX6 \u00b1 bevacizumab or FOLFOXIRI \u00b1 bevacizumab or CAPOX \u00b1 bevacizumab) were: increased lipase (51% vs 25%), decreased neutrophil count (36% vs 34%), decreased hemoglobin (13% vs 5%), decreased white blood cell count (12% vs 7%), and increased glucose (11% vs 2%).\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
BEACON CRC Trial (previously treated BRAF V600E <\/i>mutation-positive mCRC)<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Most common adverse reactions<\/b> (\u226525%, all grades) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab arm compared to irinotecan with cetuximab or FOLFIRI with cetuximab (control) were: fatigue (51% vs 50%), nausea (34% vs 41%), diarrhea (33% vs 48%), dermatitis acneiform (32% vs 43%), abdominal pain (30% vs 32%), decreased appetite (27% vs 27%), arthralgia (27% vs 3%), and rash (26% vs 26%).\n<\/li>\n
- Other clinically important adverse reactions<\/b> occurring in <10% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab was pancreatitis.\n<\/li>\n
- Most common laboratory abnormalities <\/b>(all grades) (\u226520%) in the BRAFTOVI with cetuximab arm compared to irinotecan with cetuximab or FOLFIRI with cetuximab (control) were: anemia (34% vs 48%) and lymphopenia (24% vs 35%).\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
DRUG INTERACTIONS<\/b><\/p>\n
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: <\/b>Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose.<\/p>\n
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: <\/b>Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers.<\/p>\n
Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: <\/b>Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations.<\/p>\n
\nDose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP <\/b>may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI.<\/p>\n
\nAvoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong QT\/QTc interval.<\/b><\/p>\n
View the full Prescribing Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n
About Pfizer Oncology
\n
<\/b>At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world\u2019s most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.<\/p>\nAbout Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients\u2019 Lives
\n
<\/b>At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world\u2019s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com<\/a>. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com<\/a> and follow us on X at @Pfizer<\/a> and @Pfizer News<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>, YouTube<\/a> and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com\/Pfizer<\/a>.<\/p>\nDisclosure Notice
\n
<\/b>The information contained in this release is as of February 17, 2026. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.<\/i><\/p>\nThis release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer Oncology and BRAFTOVI\u00ae<\/sup> (encorafenib) in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI for the potential treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, including their potential benefits and plans to share results from Cohort 3 of the BREAKWATER trial with the FDA, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of BRAFTOVI; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and\/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and\/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRC with a BRAF V600E mutation or for any other potential indications for BRAFTOVI; whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product’s benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product’s efficacy and, if approved, whether BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and\/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of BRAFTOVI or BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws or regulations; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer\u2019s business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.<\/i><\/p>\n
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned \u201cRisk Factors\u201d and \u201cForward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results\u201d, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at <\/i>www.sec.gov<\/i><\/a> and <\/i>www.pfizer.com<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n
ERBITUX\u00ae <\/sup>is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company its subsidiaries, or affiliates.<\/i><\/p>\n
References<\/b><\/p>\n
- Other clinically important adverse reactions<\/b> occurring in <10% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab was pancreatitis.\n<\/li>\n
- Fatal gastrointestinal perforation<\/b> occurred in 0.9% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6.\n<\/li>\n
- Results reinforce potential of BRAFTOVI as a cornerstone targeted treatment, if this regimen is approved<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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