Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports positive Zolinza trial data

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced positive new clinical trial data for Zolinza, its new therapy option for multiple myeloma.

The pharmaceutical company has published phase IIb and phase III study results showing the safety and efficacy of the drug, when combined with bortezomib, among patients with progressive multiple myeloma.

Zolinza was able to deliver a 23 percent reduction in the risk of disease progression compared to bortezomib alone, the current standard of care, thus meeting its primary efficacy endpoint.

Currently, Zolinza is approved and available in the US for use in the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with T-cell lymphoma.

Dr Meletios Dimopoulos, professor and chairman for the department of clinical therapeutics at the University of Athens School of Medicine, said: "We are encouraged by the results of the investigational use of Zolinza in combination therapy in this difficult-to-treat patient population."

Last month, the company published new clinical study data for Victrelis, showing its benefits to hepatitis C patients who have failed to respond to other therapies.