CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) Reduces Risk of Disease Progression or Death by 74 Percent in Earlier-Line Multiple Myeloma Treatment in the Landmark Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 Study

At 16-months median follow-up, CARVYKTI^® significantly improved progression-free survival compared to two standard treatments¹

Data presented at the 2023 ASCO and EHA Annual Meetings and published in The New England Journal of Medicine

CHICAGO, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today that results from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study showed CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 74 percent compared to two standard of care treatment (SOC) regimens, pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd), in adults with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy.¹ These data were featured in the press program and as an oral presentation in a special session at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract #LBA106) and were simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The results will also be presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Hybrid Congress (Abstract #S100) as part of the plenary session on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The CARTITUDE-4 study is the first randomized study investigating the efficacy of a cell therapy as early as after first relapse in multiple myeloma.^2,3

“The results from the CARTITUDE-4 study highlight the potential of cilta-cel as an important treatment option for patients earlier in the disease continuum,” said Binod Dhakal, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Hematology, and study investigator.^‡ “Cilta-cel has demonstrated a remarkably high level of efficacy in later lines of therapy, and these newest data from the CARTITUDE-4 study show its potential in earlier lines as well.”

The Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study included patients (n=419) who received one to three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and were lenalidomide-refractory.¹ Patients were randomized [cilta-cel, n=208; SOC, n=211], and those in the CARVYKTI^® arm then underwent apheresis.¹ In the CARVYKTI^® arm, 50 percent of patients were refractory to treatment with a PI and 23 percent were refractory to treatment with anti-CD38 therapies; in the SOC group, 46 percent and 21 percent of patients were refractory to PI and anti-CD38 therapies, respectively.¹ Thirty-three percent of patients in the CARVYKTI^® group received one prior line of treatment, compared to 32 percent of patients in the SOC group.¹

At a median follow-up of 16 months, a 74 percent (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.26; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.18–0.38; p value p<0.0001) reduction in the risk of disease progression or death was observed in patients randomized to the CARVYKTI^® arm compared to SOC treatments.¹ Among patients in the CARVYKTI^® arm, median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached and in the SOC arm, median PFS was 11.8 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 months for patients in the CARVYKTI^® arm and SOC arm was 76 percent (95 percent CI, 69-81) and 49 percent (95 percent CI, 42-55), respectively.¹ At the data cut-off, patients randomized to the CARVYKTI^® arm achieved an 85 percent overall response rate (ORR) and 73 percent achieved a complete response (CR) or better.¹ Among patients in the SOC arm, the ORR was 67 percent and CR or better was 22 percent.¹ In 144 patients in the CARVYKTI^® arm and 101 patients in the SOC arm evaluable for minimal residual disease (MRD) status, 88 percent of patients randomized to the CARVYKTI^® arm and 33 percent of patients randomized to the SOC arm achieved MRD negativity at the 10^-5 threshold, respectively.¹ 

No new safety signals were observed in the study. Ninety-seven percent and 94 percent of patients reported grade 3 or 4 adverse events, including infections (27 percent, 25 percent) and cytopenias (94 percent, 86 percent), respectively.¹ In the CARVYKTI^® arm, 76 percent reported cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (1 percent grade 3, no grade 4 or 5), five percent reported immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (all grade 1 or 2) and one patient had a grade 1 movement and neurocognitive treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE).¹ Overall, 39 patients in the CARVYKTI^® arm and 46 patients in the SOC arms died; 10 CARVYKTI^® and five SOC patients passed due to TEAEs.¹

“The results from the CARTITUDE-4 study clearly demonstrate the efficacy of cilta-cel when administered earlier in a patient’s treatment journey,” said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development Cellular Therapy Program, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “At Janssen, we are committed to advancing innovative therapies to improve outcomes for patients and CARVYKTI represents an important therapy in our approach to redefine the treatment of multiple myeloma.”

On May 25, 2023, Janssen submitted a Type II variation application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) based on the CARTITUDE-4 study results seeking approval of CARVYKTI^® for the earlier treatment of patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma.

Final Analysis of the CARTITUDE-1 Study of CARVYKTI^®
Study closeout results from the Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study (NCT03548207) of CARVYKTI^® in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received three or more prior lines of therapy including a PI, IMiD, and anti-CD38 antibody therapy showed at median follow up of 33.4 months, median PFS was 34.9 months (95 percent CI, 25.2 to not estimable [NE]), and median duration of response was 33.9 months (95 percent CI, 25.5-NE). No new safety signals or neurotoxicity events were reported since the 27.7-month median follow-up. These data were featured as a poster presentation at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract #8009) and will be presented as an oral presentation at the 2023 EHA Hybrid Congress (Abstract #S202).

About CARTITUDE-4
CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is the first international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel versus pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy. 

About CARTITUDE-1
CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is a Phase 1b/2, open-label, multi-center study evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, who previously received a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, and who had disease progression on or after the last regimen. Patients in the study had received a median of six prior treatment regimens (range, 3-18). Of the 97 patients enrolled in the trial, 99 percent were refractory to the last line of treatment and 88 percent were triple-class refractory, meaning their cancer did not respond to, or had progressed on, an IMiD, a PI and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

About CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)
CARVYKTI^® received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in February 2022 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a PI, an IMiD agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.⁴ In May 2022, the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization of CARVYKTI^® for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior therapies, including an IMiD agent, a PI and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.

CARVYKTI^® is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that directs the CAR positive T-cells to eliminate cells that express BCMA. BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B cells and plasma cells. The CARVYKTI^® CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domains designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.

In December 2017, Janssen Biotech, Inc. entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Legend Biotech USA, Inc. to develop and commercialize CARVYKTI^®.

For more information, visit www.CARVYKTI.com.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.⁵ In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.⁶ In 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease in the U.S.⁷ While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.⁸

CARVYKTI^® Important Safety Information

CARVYKTI^® INDICATIONS AND USAGE

CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. 

CARVYKTI^® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^® in 95% (92/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Grade 3 or higher CRS (2019 ASTCT grade) occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in 1 patient. The median time to onset of CRS was 7 days (range: 112 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (100%), hypotension (43%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (22%), chills (15%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (14%) and sinus tachycardia (11%). Grade 3 or higher events associated with CRS included increased AST and ALT, hyperbilirubinemia, hypotension, pyrexia, hypoxia, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhage, HLH/MAS, angina pectoris, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, malaise, myalgias, increased Creactive protein, ferritin, blood alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. 

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS. One patient with CRS and suspected HLH/MAS developed a fatal retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy and anticoagulation. 

Sixty-nine of 97 (71%) patients received tocilizumab and/or a corticosteroid for CRS after infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Forty-four (45%) patients received only tocilizumab, of whom 33 (34%) received a single dose and 11 (11%) received more than one dose; 24 patients (25%) received tocilizumab and a corticosteroid, and one patient (1%) received only corticosteroids. Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI^®.  

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI^® infusion at a REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.  

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. 

Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, immune mediated myelitis, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.  

Overall, one or more subtypes of neurologic toxicity described below occurred following ciltacabtagene autoleucel in 26% (25/97) of patients, of which 11% (11/97) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher events. These subtypes of neurologic toxicities were also observed in two ongoing studies. 

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients may experience fatal or life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI^®, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. ICANS occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel including Grade 3 or 4 events in 3% (3/97) and Grade 5 (fatal) events in 2% (2/97). The median time to onset of ICANS was 8 days (range 1-28 days). All 22 patients with ICANS had CRS. The most frequent (≥5%) manifestation of ICANS included encephalopathy (23%), aphasia (8%) and headache (6%).  

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI^® infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed. 

Parkinsonism: Of the 25 patients in the CARTITUDE-1 study experiencing any neurotoxicity, five male patients had neurologic toxicity with several signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, distinct from immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Patients had parkinsonian and non-parkinsonian symptoms that included tremor, bradykinesia, involuntary movements, stereotypy, loss of spontaneous movements, masked facies, apathy, flat affect, fatigue, rigidity, psychomotor retardation, micrographia, dysgraphia, apraxia, lethargy, confusion, somnolence, loss of consciousness, delayed reflexes, hyperreflexia, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, bowel incontinence, falls, stooped posture, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and wasting, motor dysfunction, motor and sensory loss, akinetic mutism, and frontal lobe release signs. The median onset of parkinsonism in the 5 patients in CARTITUDE-1 was 43 days (range 15-108) from infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. 

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI^® treatment. 

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A fatal outcome following Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has occurred in another ongoing study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. Symptoms reported include those consistent with Miller-Fisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances and polyradiculoneuritis. 

Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulins and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS. 

Immune Mediated Myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis has occurred 25 days following treatment in another ongoing study. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause. 

Peripheral Neuropathy: Six patients in CARTITUDE-1 developed peripheral neuropathy. These neuropathies presented as sensory, motor or sensorimotor neuropathies. Median time of onset of symptoms was 62 days (range 4-136 days), median duration of peripheral neuropathies was 256 days (range 2-465 days) including those with ongoing neuropathy. Patients who experienced peripheral neuropathy also experienced cranial nerve palsies or GBS in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathies.  

Cranial Nerve Palsies: Three patients (3.1%) experienced cranial nerve palsies in CARTITUDE-1. All three patients had 7^th cranial nerve palsy; one patient had 5^th cranial nerve palsy as well. Median time to onset was 26 days (range 21-101 days) following infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Occurrence of 3^rd and 6^th cranial nerve palsy, bilateral 7^th cranial nerve palsy, worsening of cranial nerve palsy after improvement, and occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with cranial nerve palsy have also been reported in ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms. 

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Fatal HLH occurred in one patient (1%), 99 days after ciltacabtagene autoleucel. The HLH event was preceded by prolonged CRS lasting 97 days. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia with diffuse alveolar damage, coagulopathy, cytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction, including renal dysfunction.  

One patient with grade 4 HLH/MAS developed fatal intracerebral and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia 12 days after treatment in another ongoing study. Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematological parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines.  

HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards. 

CARVYKTI^® REMS: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, CARVYKTI^® is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI^® REMS.  

Further information is available at https://www.carvyktirems.com/ or 1-844-672-0067. 

Prolonged and Recurrent Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI^® infusion. One patient underwent autologous stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged thrombocytopenia. 

In CARTITUDE-1, 30% (29/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 41% (40/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Day 30 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion. 

Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and anemia were seen in 63% (61/97), 18% (17/97), 60% (58/97), and 37% (36/97) after recovery from initial Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia following infusion. After Day 60 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, 31%, 12% and 6% of patients had a recurrence of Grade 3 or higher lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, after initial recovery of their Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Eighty-seven percent (84/97) of patients had one, two, or three or more recurrences of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias after initial recovery of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Six and 11 patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, at the time of death. 

Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI^® infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines. 

Infections: CARVYKTI^® should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening or fatal infections occurred in patients after CARVYKTI^® infusion. 

Infections (all grades) occurred in 57 (59%) patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients; Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 17%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 1%, and fungal infections in 1% of patients. Overall, four patients had Grade 5 infections: lung abscess (n=1), sepsis (n=2) and pneumonia (n=1). 

Grade 5 infections reported in other studies include bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and CMV colitis (with HSV-1 hepatitis). Another patient developed mycotic aneurysm due to cerebral aspergillosis and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage. 

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI^® infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 10% of patients after ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, as medically indicated. 

In a randomized controlled study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE- 4), patients treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel had an increased rate of fatal COVID19 infections compared to the standard therapy arm. Counsel patients on the importance of prevention measures. Follow institutional guidelines for the vaccination and management of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19.

Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice. 

Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 12% (12/97) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 92% (89/97) of patients. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI^® and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis. 

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI^® treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CARVYKTI^® treatment and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. 

Hypersensitivity Reactions have occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI^®. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction. 

Secondary Malignancies: Patients may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc., at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status, seizures, neurocognitive decline, or neuropathy, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following CARVYKTI^® infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during this initial period, and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicities. 

ADVERSE REACTIONS 

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than 20%) are pyrexia, cytokine release syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections of unspecified pathogen, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation and vomiting. The most common laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 50%) include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, aminotransferase elevation and hypoalbuminemia. 

Please read full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning for CARVYKTI^®.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular, Metabolism & Retina; Immunology; Infectious Diseases & Vaccines; Neuroscience; Oncology; and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development of CARVYKTI^®. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Biotech, Inc., the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

^‡ Binod Dhakal, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Hematology has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Janssen; he has not been paid for any media work.

¹Dhakal, B. First phase 3 results from CARTITUDE-4: Cilta-cel versus standard of care (PVd or DPd) in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma. Abstract #LBA106 [Oral Presentation]. Presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

²ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study Comparing JNJ-68284528, a CAR-T Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), Versus Pomalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (PVd) or Daratumumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) in Participants With Relapsed and Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (CARTITUDE-4). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04181827?term=JNJ-68284528&phase=2&draw=2&rank=1. Last accessed: May 2023.

³ClinicalTrials.gov. Search results for CAR-T, Multiple Myeloma, Phase 3 studies. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=CAR-T&cond=Multiple+Myeloma&age_v=&gndr=&type=&rslt=&phase=2&Search=Apply. Last accessed: May 2023.

⁴CARVYKTI^® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.

⁵Rajkumar SV. Multiple myeloma: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. Am J Hematol.2020;95(5):548-5672020;95(5):548-567. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32212178.

⁶National Cancer Institute. Plasma Cell Neoplasms. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/patient/myeloma-treatment-pdq. Accessed May 2023.

⁷American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma.” Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=Multiple%20myeloma%20is%20a%20relatively,men%20and%2015%2C370%20in%20women). Accessed May 2023.

⁸American Cancer Society. “What Is Multiple Myeloma?” Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-multiple-myeloma.html. Accessed May 2023.

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