Takeda commences new multiple myeloma drug trial

Takeda has announced the commencement of a new phase III clinical trial of its investigational oral cancer therapy ixazomib.

The first patient has been enrolled for the TOURMALINE-MM4 study, which is designed to demonstrate whether the sustained proteasome inhibition offered by the drug improves the long-term clinical outcomes of people living with multiple myeloma.

Ixazomib maintenance therapy will be compared with placebo on the primary endpoint of progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have responded to initial therapy and have not undergone an autologous stem cell transplant.

This is the fifth study in a wider phase III clinical development programme evaluating the use of ixazomib in various multiple myeloma settings and in relapsed refractory systemic light-chain amyloidosis.

Dr Michael Vasconcelles, the global head of Takeda's oncology unit, said: "Takeda Oncology has deep experience in multiple myeloma and greatly appreciates the efforts of the patients and families who participate in our clinical programmes."

Ixazomib was granted orphan drug designation for multiple myeloma in both the US and Europe in 2011.