Rye Brook, N.Y. (February 26, 2021) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced approval of melphalan flufenamide, also known as melflufen (Pepaxto), in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma whose disease has returned or worsened following prior treatment with four different classes of drugs.

Today’s approval of melflufen was based on results from HORIZON, a pivotal phase 2 study. Melflufen demonstrated a 23.7% overall response rate (ORR) in patients with so-called “triple-class refractory multiple myeloma” or RRMM. The responses in melflufen-treated patients were durable and often deepened with prolonged treatment, suggesting that patients may benefit from staying on treatment for as long as possible. 

Despite the availability of new treatments, multiple myeloma will progress in most patients. In recent years, a new subset of patients with RRMM has been identified. The current approaches to the treatment of RRMM are limited and generally have short-lived effectiveness.

Multiple myeloma is among The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s primary research initiatives. LLS currently has over 30 active projects (over a $40M commitment) in multiple myeloma focused on laboratory and clinical research. They include world-class researchers at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania who are looking at ways to provide safe and effective targeted therapies and to adapt CAR T-cell immunotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma.

Today’s approval of melflufen is an encouraging advancement for a patient population with significant unmet medical need who have already been treated with the three major classes of myeloma drugs.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. 

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

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