Pepaxti shows effectiveness in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients

New real-world data reinforce treatment benefit

Real-world data from the University of Catania, Italy, suggest that Pepaxti, a treatment for relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), is effective and well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients.

The retrospective analysis included eight triple-class refractory RRMM patients who had received a median of 3.5 prior lines of therapy. Some had high-risk features, including extramedullary disease, yet Pepaxti, combined with dexamethasone, achieved an overall response rate of 37.5%. Partial responses were observed even in patients with advanced disease.

Dr Etta Conticello, from the Division of Haematology at Azienda Policlinico-S. Marco, University of Catania, noted: “Our experience adds to the growing body of real-world evidence on melflufen in relapsed and refractory myeloma. Even in a high-risk patient cohort, we observed encouraging disease control with a manageable safety profile.”

The findings align with results from the HORIZON trial, further supporting Pepaxti’s role in treating patients with limited therapeutic options.

Oncopeptides’ chief medical officer, Stefan Norin, commented: “These real-world findings provide further support for Pepaxti’s potential benefit in heavily pretreated patients, including those with aggressive disease phenotypes.”

The treatment is approved in Europe for RRMM patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy and whose disease has progressed on or after their last treatment.

Bruno Bolognese, head of European medical affairs at Oncopeptides, said: “It is truly encouraging to see how real-world clinical experience continues to confirm the potential of Pepaxti in treating patients with advanced multiple myeloma. Close collaboration with the medical community is essential as we work to address the significant unmet needs of patients with limited treatment options.