Takeda and Millennium report positive Velcade trial data

Takeda and its oncology-focused subsidiary Millennium have reported positive data from new analyses of Velcade, their approved therapy for multiple myeloma.

In the first of these studies, the product was able to demonstrate its strong performance in the retreatment in patients with relapsed and/or refractory forms of the disease.

Meanwhile, the second study, named Gimema, showed the drug's potential when used in combination with Velcade as a maintenance therapy for patients with previously untreated myeloma.

Dr Karen Ferrante, chief medical officer at Millennium, said: "The Gimema study continues to affirm the known overall survival benefit of Velcade-based therapy in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma."

To date, Velcade has been approved in more than 90 countries and is marketed in Europe by Janssen, which co-developed the compound alongside Millennium.

In October 2012, Janssen received European regulatory approval for a new subcutaneous version of the highly successful product.