Johnson and Johnson has revealed data which demonstrates that Darzalex (daratumumab), when combined with a regimen of bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone, was able to reduce the risk of disease progression or death by 50% in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients for whom autologous stem cell transplantation is not appropriate.

The findings led senior study author Jesus F San-Miguel to remark that the treatment, developed in partnership with Genmab, "should become a new standard of care in transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma patients."

The data was drawn from a study comprising 706 participants, who were randomised and treated with nine cycles of Darzalex plus bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone, or bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone alone. It was found that, at a median follow-up of 16.5 months, the median progression-free survival was not reached in those treated with Darzalex; by comparison, this same point was reached at an estimated 18.1 months for those treated with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone alone. Plus, Darzalex recorded an overall response rate of 91% compared to 74%.  

"Darzalex offers compelling and consistent clinical benefit across all lines of therapy in multiple myeloma," commented Sen Zhuang, Vice President of Oncology Clinical Research for Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Research & Development unit. "These latest results convey the promise of Darzalex in newly diagnosed patients for whom the initial therapy is most critical for long-term survival."