Janssen Pharma seeks USFDA nod for Teclistamab to treat multiple myeloma
Raritan: The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval of teclistamab for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma.
Teclistamab is an investigational, off-the-shelf, T-cell redirecting, bispecific antibody targeting both B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
"Despite all the gains that have been made in treating multiple myeloma, the unmet need still remains very high. Our relentless pursuit of treatments for this disease continues with the same sense of urgency that we have always had," said Peter Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We look forward to working with the FDA in their review of our teclistamab submission."
The BLA submission for teclistamab is supported by data from MajesTEC-1, an open-label, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of teclistamab in adults with R/R multiple myeloma. In the study, investigators assessed efficacy outcomes, including overall response rate, very good partial response and complete response using International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria, as well as the safety profile of teclistamab. Updated MajesTEC-1 data were recently presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting.
"The deep expertise, creativity and persistence of the entire Janssen R&D organization enabled the expeditious advancement of teclistamab for multiple myeloma," said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson. "The submission is another important step in our commitment to bring to patients truly transformational medicines that profoundly impact their health."
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects white blood cells called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow and normally make antibodies which fight infection. When these plasma cells become malignant and develop into multiple myeloma, these myeloma cells proliferate and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. In 2021, it is estimated that nearly 35,000 people will be diagnosed and more than 12,000 will die from this disease in the U.S. While some patients with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, many patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.
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