NICE expands access to Blenrep® for multiple myeloma patients
More multiple myeloma patients within the UK will be able to access the BCMA-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) following an expanded use approval by NICE.
Data from the DREAMM-7 resulted in this latest approval, which comes less than 1 year after the treatment combination was initially approved by NICE. Within the Phase III trial, belantamab mafodotin in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd) yielded a progression-free survival rate of 36.6 months versus 13.4 months for the daratumumab-based comparator. The secondary endpoint of overall survival was also met, with a 42% reduction in the risk of death at a median follow-up of 39.4 months in the BVd cohort. The 3-year overall survival rate was 74% in the BVd combination arm and 60% in the daratumumab combination arm.
Read a breakdown of the strategies used in the MajesTEC-1 study to manage side effects that may occur with teclistamab treatment.
Karthik Ramasamy, Consultant Hematologist, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, commented on the significance of the approval: “This announcement marks an important step forward in expanding access for people living with multiple myeloma. Myeloma can be challenging to treat and variable when it relapses. With this expanded access to belantamab mafodotin in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone now available, healthcare professionals have greater flexibility to tailor treatment in the second-line setting, regardless of patient’s prior first treatment. By addressing this unmet need, a broader range of patients are now eligible for therapy, supporting more personalized care.”