Benzinga | Apr 28, 2021 01:19PM EDT

BeiGene's Stock Is Trading Higher As Brukinsa Drug On Par With JNJ's Imbruvica In Late-Stage Blood Cancer Studies

* BeiGene Ltd (NASDAQ: BGNE) announced positive results from a planned interim analysis of the Phase 3 ALPINE trial comparing Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) against Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE: JNJ) Imbruvica (ibrutinib) in adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

* The data is based on 415 of 652 patients followed for a minimum of 12 months. The planned final analysis is expected in 2022.

* Brukinsa met the primary endpoint of the trial, demonstrating non-inferiority in objective response rate (ORR) vs. ibrutinib by investigator assessment and a numerically higher ORR but not statistically significant improvement by the independent review committee.

* The trial also met a prespecified secondary endpoint related to safety, and Brukinsa demonstrated a statistically significant lower risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter versus ibrutinib.

* BeiGene plans to present these data at an upcoming major medical conference.

* Price Action: BGNE shares are up 9.2% at $353.25 during market trading hours on the last check Wednesday.