The CHMP has recommended broadening the existing marketing authorisation for Darzalex® (daratumumab) to include its use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant.
“As multiple myeloma can become more complex with each relapse, it is important that patients receive the latest treatment options with the goal of extending their first remission period,” said Professor Thierry Facon, MD, Service des Maladies du Sang, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Lille, France, and principal investigator of the MAIA study.
“For newly diagnosed patients who are transplant ineligible, this regimen could be an important frontline therapy option and reinforces the consistent clinical profile of daratumumab.”
The positive opinion is based on results from the Phase III MAIA (MMY3008) study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and presented at the 2018 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.
Additional information about the MAIA study can be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02252172).
“This recommendation marks an important step towards realising our ambition to improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, right from diagnosis, especially for the majority of patients who are not eligible for transplant,” said Craig Tendler, MD, Vice President, Clinical Development and Global Medical Affairs, Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC.
“Daratumumab has been used to treat more than 100,000 patients worldwide and we look forward to working with regulatory authorities to bring this important therapy to even more patients with multiple myeloma,” adds Dr Patrick Laroche, Haematology Therapy Area Lead, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Janssen-Cilag France.
