Novartis reports positive data from multiple myeloma study

Novartis has announced encouraging results from a phase III clinical trial of a potentially promising investigational treatment for multiple myeloma.

The Panorama-1 study assessed its new compound LBH589 (panobinostat) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone among patients with relapsed/relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, when compared to bortezomib plus dexamethasone alone.

This new combination therapy met the primary endpoint of significantly extending progression-free survival rates among this patient group, showing the potential of LBH589 as the first in a new class of novel anticancer agents.

Prior data demonstrated that the drug helped to recapture responses in heavily pretreated and bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma patients.

Alessandro Riva, global head of oncology development and medical affairs at Novartis Oncology, said: "Given its mechanism of action, LBH589 has the potential to be an important treatment option for multiple myeloma."

This drug is one of several oncology agents that Novartis will be presenting at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium this month.