Ten percent complete response and rapid, durable antitumor activity reported with RYBREVANT FASPRO™; results surpass current standards of care
RARITAN, N.J., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) today announced new results from the Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 study showing that first-line treatment with investigational subcutaneous amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor delivered clinically meaningful and durable antitumor activity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that is recurrent or metastatic, PD-L1-positive, and human papillomavirus (HPV)-unrelated. Data were presented during a plenary session at the 2026 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium (MHNCS) (Abstract #2).1
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive disease, and many patients see their cancer return or spread after their initial diagnosis. In the first-line recurrent or metastatic setting, outcomes remain poor with current standard of care. PD-1 monotherapy has historically achieved response rates of approximately 18 percent, and only modest improvements are seen when chemotherapy is added, leaving many patients without meaningful benefit.2,3 This underscores the need for approaches that address additional drivers of disease including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), which contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance.4,5,6 Data from lung cancer, where these same pathways have been well characterized, suggest that targeting both may change disease biology and improve outcomes.7
“From a clinical perspective, rapid and durable disease control is an important goal in the first-line treatment of head and neck cancer,” said Ranee Mehra,* M.D., Director of Head and Neck Medical Oncology and Professor of Medicine at the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Maryland. “Combining subcutaneous amivantamab with immunotherapy is promising because it targets key drivers of tumor growth and resistance, which is resulting in deeper responses compared with current standards. Continued research will be important to build on these findings and better understand how this approach may fit into first-line treatment.”
Detailed Study Results
In Cohort 2 of the OrigAMI-4 study, treatment with subcutaneous amivantamab plus pembrolizumab, administered every three weeks, demonstrated a confirmed overall response rate of 56 percent (22/39; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 40-72), including six complete responses (four confirmed at the time of analysis, which represents a 10 percent complete response rate) and 18 partial responses (all confirmed). At a median follow-up of 10.4 months (range, 1.6-12.5), 46 percent of patients remained on treatment. Tumor shrinkage of target lesions was observed in 82 percent of patients. The clinical benefit rate, defined as confirmed response or durable stable disease, was 74 percent (29/39; 95 percent CI, 58-87). Responses occurred rapidly, with a median time to first response of 9.7 weeks, and treatment was ongoing in 64 percent of confirmed responders (14/22) at the time of data cutoff. Median progression-free survival was 7.7 months (95 percent CI, 5.0-not estimable). The median overall survival was not estimable.1
The safety profile of subcutaneous amivantamab and pembrolizumab was consistent with those of the individual agents, with no new safety signals identified. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events, occurring in more than 30 percent of patients, were rash (49 percent), paronychia (46 percent), hypoalbuminemia (41 percent), dermatitis acneiform (38 percent), increased aspartate aminotransferase (38 percent), increased alanine aminotransferase (36 percent), and stomatitis (36 percent). Administration-related reactions occurred in six (15 percent) patients, none of which were Grade 3 or higher. Treatment discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events occurred in four patients.1
“The standard of care in the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer is inadequate for many patients, with low response rates and short durations of benefit,” said Joshua Bauml, M.D., Vice President, Lung and Head and Neck Cancer Disease Area Leader, Johnson & Johnson. “Seeing rapid and durable disease control at levels meaningfully higher than what has historically been achieved signals the potential to redefine what treatment can offer patients. Subcutaneous amivantamab is built on a mechanism of action that has already changed disease biology and improved outcomes in EGFR-mutated lung cancer, and these new results suggest we may be able to deliver more meaningful benefit for patients in another setting where the status quo is simply not good enough and unmet need remains high.”
These data support continued evaluation of RYBREVANT FASPRO™-based regimens in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including the ongoing Phase 3 OrigAMI-5 study (NCT07276399) assessing subcutaneous amivantamab with carboplatin and pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment in patients with HPV-unrelated recurrent or metastatic disease, regardless of PD-L1 expression, where significant unmet need persists.8
About the OrigAMI-4 Study
OrigAMI-4 (NCT06385080) is an open-label Phase 1b/2 study evaluating RYBREVANT FASPRO™ (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj) in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). The study includes five cohorts exploring RYBREVANT FASPRO™ across different treatment settings and regimens.
Cohort 1 evaluated RYBREVANT FASPRO™ as monotherapy in patients with HPV-unrelated R/M HNSCC who had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Patients with prior anti-EGFR therapy were excluded. Cohort 2 is evaluating RYBREVANT FASPRO™ in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with HPV-unrelated recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not yet received treatment for their advanced disease and whose tumors express PD-L1.
RYBREVANT FASPRO™ was administered on a weekly schedule during the initial treatment period followed by dosing every three weeks (Q3W), with weight-based dosing adjustments. The primary endpoint across cohorts is overall response rate (ORR), assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) using RECIST v1.1**.9
About Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer, accounting for more than 90 percent of cases and approximately 4.5 percent of all cancers worldwide.10 It develops in the mucosal linings of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.10 Major risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, as well as infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).10 Around 75 percent of cases are HPV-negative, which is typically associated with a poorer prognosis and reduced response to treatment.10,11 Despite advances in surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, many patients ultimately progress to advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease.4,12
About RYBREVANT FASPRO™ and RYBREVANT®
In December 2025, the U.S. FDA approved RYBREVANT FASPRO™ (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj) across all indications of intravenous RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw). This subcutaneously administered therapy is also approved in Europe, Japan, China, and other markets.
RYBREVANT FASPRO™ is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology.
The effectiveness of RYBREVANT FASPRO™ has been established based on adequate and well controlled studies of RYBREVANT®. Data across multiple Phase 3 studies, including MARIPOSA, have demonstrated the clinical benefit of RYBREVANT® in improving progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
RYBREVANT® is approved in the U.S., Europe and other markets across four indications in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including two in the first-line setting and two in the second-line, for patients with either exon 19 deletions, exon 21 L858R mutations, or exon 20 insertion mutations, as monotherapy or in combination with LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) or chemotherapy.
RYBREVANT® is a first-in-class, fully-human bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®)§13 include amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) across multiple treatment settings, including its recent inclusion as a NCCN Category 1 preferred option when used with lazertinib (LAZCLUZE®) for first-line treatment of people with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. Amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj subcutaneous injection (RYBREVANT FASPRO™) may be substituted for IV amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®). See the latest NCCN Guidelines® for NSCLC for complete information.†‡
The NCCN Guidelines for Central Nervous System Cancers also identify amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®)-based regimens, including the combination with lazertinib (LAZCLUZE®), as the only NCCN-preferred combination options for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and brain metastases.†‡
The legal manufacturer for RYBREVANT® is Janssen Biotech, Inc. For more information, visit: https://www.RYBREVANT.com.
INDICATIONS
RYBREVANT FASPRO™ (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj) and RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) are indicated:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of RYBREVANT®-based regimens. 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 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; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; 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 most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.com, or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. *Ranee Mehra, M.D., has served as a consultant to Johnson & Johnson; she has not been paid for any media work. **RECIST (version 1.1) refers to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, which is a standard way to measure how well solid tumors respond to treatment and is based on whether tumors shrink, stay the same or get bigger. § The NCCN content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. † See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options. ‡ The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories. Source: Johnson & Johnson 1 Mehra R, et al. Amivantamab Plus Pembrolizumab in Previously Untreated Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: Results From the Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 Study [MHNCS Abstract 2]. Presented at: 2026 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium; February 19, 2026; Palm Desert, California. 2 Burtness B, Harrington KJ, Greil R, et al. Pembrolizumab alone or with chemotherapy versus cetuximab with chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-048): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2019;394(10212):1915–1928. 3 Vermorken JB, Specenier P. Optimal treatment for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer. Ann Oncol. 2010;21 Suppl 7:vii252–vii261. 4 Wise-Draper TM, Bahig H, Tonneau M, Karivedu V, Burtness B. Current Therapy for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence, Opportunities, and Challenges. American Society of Clinical Oncology Education Book. 2022;42:1-14. https://doi.org/10.1200/edbk_350442 5 Rothenberger NJ, Stabile LP. Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer and Implications for Treatment. Cancers. 2017; 9(4):39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers9040039 6 Hartmann S, et al. HGF/Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer: Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment. Clinical Cancer Research. 2016;22(16):4005-4013. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-0951 7 Yang JCH, et al. Overall Survival with Amivantamab-Lazertinib in EGFR-mutant Advanced NSCLC. N Engl J Med. 2025. 8 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab in Addition to Standard of Care Agents (SOC) Compared With SOC Alone in Participants With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-5). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07276399. Accessed February 2026. 9 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Alone or in Addition to Other Treatment Agents in Participants With Recurrent/ Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-4). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06385080?term=OrigAMI-4&limit=10&rank=1. Accessed February 2026. 10 Barsouk A, et al. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Medical Sciences. 2023;11(2):42. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci11020042 11 Ghiani L, Chiocca S. High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(7):3483. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073483 12 Ferris RL, Blumenschein G Jr, Fayette J, et al. Nivolumab for Recurrent Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;375(19):1856-1867. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1602252 13 Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.3.2026 © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. Accessed February 2026. 14 RYBREVANT FASPRO™ Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. 15 RYBREVANT® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. 16 LAZCLUZE® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. Media contact:
Oncology Media Relations
[email protected] Investor contact:
Lauren Johnson
[email protected] U.S. Medical Inquiries:
+1 800 526-7736 SOURCE Johnson & Johnson
- in combination with LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.
- in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.
- as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of RYBREVANT®-based regimens. 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 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; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; 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 most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.com, or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. *Ranee Mehra, M.D., has served as a consultant to Johnson & Johnson; she has not been paid for any media work. **RECIST (version 1.1) refers to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, which is a standard way to measure how well solid tumors respond to treatment and is based on whether tumors shrink, stay the same or get bigger. § The NCCN content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. † See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options. ‡ The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories. Source: Johnson & Johnson 1 Mehra R, et al. Amivantamab Plus Pembrolizumab in Previously Untreated Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: Results From the Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 Study [MHNCS Abstract 2]. Presented at: 2026 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium; February 19, 2026; Palm Desert, California. 2 Burtness B, Harrington KJ, Greil R, et al. Pembrolizumab alone or with chemotherapy versus cetuximab with chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-048): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2019;394(10212):1915–1928. 3 Vermorken JB, Specenier P. Optimal treatment for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer. Ann Oncol. 2010;21 Suppl 7:vii252–vii261. 4 Wise-Draper TM, Bahig H, Tonneau M, Karivedu V, Burtness B. Current Therapy for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence, Opportunities, and Challenges. American Society of Clinical Oncology Education Book. 2022;42:1-14. https://doi.org/10.1200/edbk_350442 5 Rothenberger NJ, Stabile LP. Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer and Implications for Treatment. Cancers. 2017; 9(4):39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers9040039 6 Hartmann S, et al. HGF/Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer: Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment. Clinical Cancer Research. 2016;22(16):4005-4013. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-0951 7 Yang JCH, et al. Overall Survival with Amivantamab-Lazertinib in EGFR-mutant Advanced NSCLC. N Engl J Med. 2025. 8 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab in Addition to Standard of Care Agents (SOC) Compared With SOC Alone in Participants With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-5). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07276399. Accessed February 2026. 9 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Alone or in Addition to Other Treatment Agents in Participants With Recurrent/ Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-4). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06385080?term=OrigAMI-4&limit=10&rank=1. Accessed February 2026. 10 Barsouk A, et al. Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Medical Sciences. 2023;11(2):42. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci11020042 11 Ghiani L, Chiocca S. High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(7):3483. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073483 12 Ferris RL, Blumenschein G Jr, Fayette J, et al. Nivolumab for Recurrent Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;375(19):1856-1867. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1602252 13 Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.3.2026 © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. Accessed February 2026. 14 RYBREVANT FASPRO™ Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. 15 RYBREVANT® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. 16 LAZCLUZE® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. Media contact:
Oncology Media Relations
[email protected] Investor contact:
Lauren Johnson
[email protected] U.S. Medical Inquiries:
+1 800 526-7736 SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

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