Sarclisa plus KRd significantly improved rate of minimal residual disease negativity in transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma versus KRd alone: Sanofi

MRD negativity is defined as the absence of myeloma cells in the bone marrow after treatment, as measured by diagnostic techniques that must have a sensitivity of at least 1 in 100,000 cells. In this trial, MRD negativity was detected with a sensitivity of 10^-5 (no cancer cells detected within 100,000 bone marrow cells) and 10^-6 (no cancer cells detected within 1,000,000 bone marrow cells).

In an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the primary endpoint of rate of MRD negativity using next generation sequencing with a sensitivity of 10^-5 after consolidation for patients receiving Sarclisa combination therapy (n=151) was 77% versus 67% for those who received KRd alone (n=151) (odds ratio [OR] 1.67; p=0.049). The respective rates of MRD negativity at sensitivity of 10^-6 were 67% versus 48% (OR 1.93; p=0.006). The MRD negativity benefit, both at 10^-5 and 10^-6 sensitivities, was retained in all subgroups analyzed with similar benefit in both standard-risk and high-risk patients.

There was a statistically significant difference in MRD negativity rates after induction with Sarclisa in combination with KRd versus KRd (10^-5: 45% versus 26%, p<0.001; 10^-6: 27% versus 14%, p=0.004).

The safety and tolerability of Sarclisa observed in this trial were consistent with the observed safety profile of Sarclisa in other clinical trials, with no new safety signals observed. There were three treatment-related deaths in the Sarclisa combination arm and one in the KRd arm.

Peter C. Adamson, Global Development Head, Oncology, Sanofi said, “The statistically significant rates of MRD negativity observed with Sarclisa combination therapy further support our belief in Sarclisa as a potential best-in-class therapy. Effective front-line treatment is critical for newly diagnosed patients, because achieving undetectable levels of disease early in the treatment journey may lead to better long-term outcomes. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the EMN to explore the potential of this novel combination regimen for those with transplant-eligible, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.”

The use of Sarclisa in combination with KRd in this patient population is investigational and has not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.