Celgene: CHMP Positive Opinions For Revlimid, Imnovid-based Triplet Regimens

(RTTNews) - Celgene Corp. (CELG) said Friday that the European Medicines Agency or EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use or CHMP has adopted positive opinions for two triplet regimens based on Celgene's proprietary IMiD medications, Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Imnovid (pomalidomide).

The company noted that the CHMP recommended approval of an expanded indication of Revlimid as combination therapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who are not eligible for transplant.

The committee also recommended approval of Imnovid in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd), for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior treatment regimen including lenalidomide.

The European Commission, which generally follows the recommendation of the CHMP, is expected to make its final decision in about two months, Celgene said.

The CHMP positive opinion for Revlimid was based on the data from SWOG S0777, a phase 3 trial evaluating the triplet combination of Revlimid, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) in adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma, without an intent for immediate autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Results from SWOG S0777 showed statistically significant progression-free or PFS and overall survival improvements in patients treated with RVd compared to those treated with Revlimid and dexamethasone alone (Rd).

The CHMP positive opinion for PVd was based on the data from OPTIMISMM, the first prospective phase 3 trial to evaluate an Imnovid-based triplet regimen in patients who were previously treated with Revlimid, and who were, in the majority (70 percent), Revlimid refractory.

This patient population represents a growing unmet medical need for which new treatment options are necessary. Results from OPTIMISMM showed that patients receiving PVd achieved a significantly longer PFS than those in the Vd treatment arm.

Celgene noted that Revlimid in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone and Imnovid in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone are not approved for any use in any country.