Phase II clinical study with melflufen in the treatment of multiple myeloma patients initiated

Date: Aug-23-2013Oncopeptides AB, a company working to enhance oncology therapies, today announced that the first patient has been dosed as part of a Phase II study in multiple myeloma patients with its drug candidate melflufen (previously called J1).

The trial is an open-label Phase II study designed to determine the level of efficacy of melflufen in combination with dexamethasone, for late stage, relapsing or relapsing/refractory patients. The primary end point is, best response in accordance with the International Myeloma Working Group criteria during up to eight cycles of treatment.

The trial is being carried out across four centers in Europe (the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark and Sweden) and two in the USA.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Johan Harmenberg commented, "Cytotoxic compounds form an integral part of combination treatment in malignant disease. Melphalan is part of the standard of care in multiple myeloma and improving this component with melflufen should result in significant patient benefit."

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological cancer and manifests from an abnormality of plasma cells, usually in the bone marrow. Worldwide, more than 180,000 people are living with multiple myeloma and approximately 86,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (International Agency for Research on Cancer).
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.