New Drug �Ninlaro� Receives USFDA Approval for Treating Multiple Myeloma

Takeda Oncology, a drug firm has received USFDA approval for its new drug called "ninlaro" as part of the combination treatment for Multiple Myeloma.

The drug ixazomib marketed as ninlaro can be administered along with Celgene's Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone to treat patients who have received at least one prior therapy. Ninlaro is a type of cancer drug called a proteasome inhibitor which works by blocking enzymes from multiple myeloma cells, hindering their ability to grow and survive.

‘Multiple Myeloma is a type of a blood cancer affecting the infection-fighting region of plasma cells which then multiply and produce abnormal proteins.’

Study participants received either Ninlaro in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone or placebo plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The results showed that participants taking the once-weekly regimen lived for an average of 20.6 months compared to 14.7 months in the group receiving a placebo plus Revlimid and dexamethasone, with a tolerable safety profile.

"The introduction of Ninlaro marks an important step forward, as its efficacy and safety profile - coupled with its completely oral administration - potentially can reduce some logistical burdens, and help enable patients to reap the full benefits of this sustainable therapy," noted Christophe Bianchi, president of Takeda Oncology.

Source: Medindia