New drug approvals
signal a new era in myeloma therapy
Novel drugs and new combinations show promising results for patients.
Darzalex® (daratumumab)
Ninlaro® (ixazomib)
Darzalex, an immunotherapy,
Ninlaro is the first
belongs to a class of agents
oral proteasome inhibitor
called monoclonal antibodies
(PI) to be approved by
(MAb) that have been used successfully
the FDA. Proteasomes help remove
in the treatment of different cancers.
waste created by plasma cells when
Daratumumab is the first MAb to be
they produce proteins. Proteasome
approved in multiple myeloma. It targets
inhibitors prevent the waste from
a common protein found on myeloma
being removed so the toxins in it can
cells, CD38, and exerts an attack
destroy the myeloma cell. This approval
directly on the cell. It also signals the
marks a new era of oral convenience for
“The MMRF has led the way
immune system to take action against
proteasome inhibition and may enable
funding research on drugs
the myeloma cells.
an expanded use of PIs in myeloma and
that have helped me and
Empliciti™ (elotuzumab)
Empliciti is the second MAb
other plasma cell disorders.
Farydak® (panobinostat)
many, many others. Right
approved for myeloma. It targets
Farydak is the first
now I’m taking one that
a myeloma-unique surface
approved myeloma
was just approved and it
therapy in a class of
has changed my life.”
protein, CS-1 (also known as SLAMF7).
The expression of this receptor is also
medicines known as histone deacetylase
found on other immune cells, including
inhibitors. Farydak inhibits multiple
natural killer (NK) cells. This may
enzymes that cancer cells need to
explain why Empliciti controls myeloma
grow and survive. It appears to act
by an indirect mechanism, involving
synergistically with other anti-myeloma
activation of other immune cells such
drugs. Farydak also inhibits the growth of
as NK cells.
new blood vessels needed to fuel tumors.
NE W D RU GS
— Bob Dickey,
multiple myeloma patient
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