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FDA Approves Genentech’s Gazyva for Previously Untreated Advanced Follicular Lymphoma

South San Francisco, CA -- November 16, 2017 -- Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gazyva (obinutuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone in those who responded, for people with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma (stage II bulky, III or IV). The approval is based on results from the Phase III GALLIUM study, which showed superior progression-free survival (PFS) for patients who received this Gazyva-based regimen compared with those who received a Rituxan® (rituximab)-based regimen as an initial (first-line) therapy. Follicular lymphoma, the most common slow-growing (indolent) form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), is incurable and becomes harder to treat each time it returns.

“Today’s Gazyva approval is an important advance for the thousands of people diagnosed each year with follicular lymphoma who hope to delay disease progression for as long as possible,” said Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “We’re pleased we can now offer patients with this incurable blood cancer an initial treatment option shown to improve upon Rituxan, the standard of care in this setting for more than 10 years.”

The GALLIUM study showed the Gazyva-based regimen significantly reduced the risk of disease worsening or death compared to a Rituxan-based regimen by 28 percent (PFS as assessed by independent review committee [IRC]; HR=0.72; 95 percent CI 0.56-0.93; p=0.0118). The most common Grade 3-5 side effects (occurring in at least 5 percent of patients) observed more frequently in the Gazyva arm were low white blood cell count, infusion reactions, low white blood cell count with fever and low platelet count. The most common side effects (occurring in at least 20 percent of patients) observed at least 2 percent more frequently in the Gazyva arm included infusion reactions, low white blood cell count, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, constipation and diarrhea.

Gazyva’s supplemental Biologics License Application based on the GALLIUM data was granted Priority Review, a designation given to medicines that the FDA has determined to have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a disease. With this approval, Gazyva is available in the United States for three different indications across two common types of blood cancer.

About the GALLIUM Study

GALLIUM (NCT01332968) is a global Phase III open-label, multicenter, randomized two-arm study examining the efficacy and safety of Gazyva plus chemotherapy followed by Gazyva alone for up to two years, as compared head-to-head against Rituxan plus chemotherapy followed by Rituxan alone for up to two years. Chemotherapies used (CHOP, CVP or bendamustine) were selected by each participating study site prior to beginning enrollment. GALLIUM included 1,385 patients with previously untreated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), of whom 1,202 patients had advanced follicular lymphoma (stage II bulky, III or IV).

Safety was evaluated based on 1,385 patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma (86 percent) or marginal zone lymphoma (14 percent). The most common Grade 3-5 side effects that occurred more often with Gazyva plus chemotherapy followed by Gazyva alone compared to Rituxan plus chemotherapy followed by Rituxan alone were low white blood cell count, infusion reactions, low white blood cell count with fever and low platelet count.

About Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is the most common slow-growing (indolent) form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), accounting for about one in five cases of NHL. It is considered incurable and characterized by periods of remission and relapse. The disease typically becomes harder to treat each time it returns, and early progression can be associated with poor long-term prognosis. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 14,000 new cases of follicular lymphoma will be diagnosed in 2017.

About Genentech Access Solutions

Access Solutions is part of Genentech’s commitment to helping people access the Genentech medicines they are prescribed, regardless of their ability to pay. The team of in-house specialists at Access Solutions is dedicated to helping people navigate the access and reimbursement process, and to providing assistance to eligible patients in the United States who are uninsured or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their medicine. To date, the team has helped more than 1.5 million patients access the medicines they need. Please contact Access Solutions (866) 4ACCESS/(866) 422-2377 or visit http://www.Genentech-Access.com for more information.

About Gazyva

Gazyva is an engineered monoclonal antibody designed to attach to CD20, a protein found on certain types of B-cells. It is thought to work by attacking targeted cells both directly and together with the body's immune system. Gazyva was discovered by Roche Glycart AG, a wholly owned, independent research unit of Roche. In the United States, Gazyva is part of a collaboration between Genentech and Biogen.

Combination studies investigating Gazyva with other approved or investigational medicines, including cancer immunotherapies and small molecule inhibitors, are underway across a range of blood cancers.

About Genentech in Hematology

For more than 20 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in hematology. Today, we’re investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to people with diseases of the blood. For more information visit http://www.gene.com/hematology.

About Genentech

Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

Source: Genentech

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