FDA Grants Priority Review of Melflufen for Triple-Class Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Oncopeptides has announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review for Oncopeptides' New Drug Application seeking approval of melflufen (INN melphalan flufenamide), in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma whose disease is refractory to at least one proteasome inhibitor, one immunomodulatory agent and one anti-CD-38 monoclonal antibody, (i.e., triple-class refractory multiple myeloma patients). The FDA has set a PDUFA-date (Prescription Drug User Fee Act), which is the target date for their review of the New Drug Application, to February 28, 2021.

The submission is based on the results from the pivotal phase 2 study HORIZON, evaluating intravenous melflufen in combination with dexamethasone in patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, (RRMM).

"This is very exciting news. It is an important milestone for Oncopeptides, and a major step in making melflufen available for patients with multiple myeloma, who desperately need new treatment options", said Marty J Duvall, CEO of Oncopeptides AB. "I am looking forward to a continuing dialogue with the FDA while we make the product available to RRMM patients in the US through an expanded access program, in an FDA approved trial called sEAPort."A Priority Review designation means that FDA's goal is to take action on an application within 6 months (compared to 10 months under standard review). They will direct overall resources to the evaluation of applications for drugs that, "if approved, would be significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications".