Positive Phase 3 Results for TECVAYLI® Showcase Significant Survival Benefits in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), a leader in multiple myeloma therapies, has announced promising topline results from its Phase 3 MajesTEC-9 study. The data indicate that TECVAYLI® (teclistamab-cqyv) monotherapy significantly reduces the risk of disease progression or death by 71% in a patient population with limited treatment options. Moreover, the study shows a notable 40% reduction in the risk of death, establishing TECVAYLI® as a potential new standard of care as early as first relapse.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma and Its Treatment Challenges
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that is characterized by high rates of relapse. Despite recent advancements, there remains a significant unmet need for effective and well-tolerated therapies, especially for patients who are refractory to commonly used treatments such as anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies and lenalidomide.
The MajesTEC-9 study evaluated TECVAYLI® in patients who had become resistant to these therapies. These results build on the foundation laid by the MajesTEC-3 study, which demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) when TECVAYLI® was used in combination with DARZALEX FASPRO® in naive or sensitive patients.
Key Findings from the MajesTEC-9 Study
The study targeted patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had received one to three prior lines of therapy. The results were compelling:
- A 71% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death (hazard ratio HR=0.29 with 95% confidence interval CI: 0.23, 0.38).
- A 40% reduction in the risk of death (HR=0.60 with 95% CI: 0.43, 0.83).
All patients involved in the MajesTEC-9 study had previously undergone treatment with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (85% of participants) and lenalidomide (79% of participants). Over 90% were refractory to their last line of therapy, underscoring the study's focus on a high unmet need population.
Expert Insights and Future Implications
Dr. Roberto Mina from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University commented on the findings, stating, "The MajesTEC-9 results reinforce the potential of TECVAYLI to transform treatment earlier in the multiple myeloma journey." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Yusri Elsayed, who emphasized Johnson & Johnson's commitment to providing critical treatment options for patients, noting that these results bring them closer to finding a potential cure.
The full data from the MajesTEC-9 study will be presented at future medical meetings, with further evaluations anticipated from global health authorities.
About TECVAYLI®
TECVAYLI® is a first-in-class bispecific T-cell engager antibody that activates the immune system by targeting both T-cells and multiple myeloma cells. It received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA in October 2022 for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, having undergone at least four prior lines of therapy. As of now, over 20,800 patients have been treated with TECVAYLI® worldwide.
Regulatory Status and Future Developments
The European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization for TECVAYLI® in August 2022, with recent updates in August 2023 allowing for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5 mg/kg every two weeks. This aims to enhance the treatment's accessibility for patients achieving a complete response.
Broader Context: The Place of Multiple Myeloma Therapies
Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally, presenting significant treatment challenges. The advancements represented by TECVAYLI® are crucial for addressing the needs of patients requiring innovative therapy options. With ongoing research and development, JNJ continues to lead the charge against this challenging disease.