BRIEF—AbbVie adds to Imbruvica data with CLL findings

US drugmaker AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has presented further evidence on Imbruvica (ibrutinib) at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

The patient-reported outcomes data in previously-untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) adds to the presentation by AbbVie’s partner on Imbruvica, Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) pharmaceutical arm Janssen, of new  findings in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

The CLL/SLL RESONATE-2 study presentation includes new three-year follow-up data that showed sustained improvements in measures of well-being with Imbruvica (ibrutinib) versus chemotherapy with chlorambucil.

The new data provide the longest quality of life follow up for Imbruvica to date using patient-reported outcomes.

Danelle James, head of clinical science at AbbVie subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, said: "For patients with CLL, a disease that affects primarily older patients, quality of life is an important consideration that should be factored into treatment choices initially and throughout long-term use."

Imbruvica is approved in the USA in six distinct patient populations, including CLL, the most common form of leukemia in adults, and SLL.