Blenrep approved by US FDA for use in treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
- Significant unmet need for patients requires new and novel treatments1
- DREAMM-7 showed a 51% reduction in the risk of death and tripled median progression-free survival in 3L+ indicated population versus a daratumumab-based triplet2
- Blenrep is the only anti-BCMA accessible in the community setting where 70% of patients receive care, and with a new streamlined REMS program3
- Robust clinical development is ongoing to advance Blenrep in earlier lines of treatment, including newly diagnosed patients4
The Blenrep approval is supported by data from the pivotal DREAMM-7 phase III trial. In patients
Working closely with the FDA, Blenrep is available through a new, streamlined Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). The new REMS supports appropriate use and patient safety while reducing administrative burden through simplified patient forms, removal of duplicative checklists and efficient communication between HCPs and either optometrists or ophthalmologists monitoring eye care. For more information, resources, or assistance, visit www.BLENREPREMS.com or contact the Blenrep REMS at 1-855-690-9572, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET. GSK will also offer Together with GSK, an optional patient support program available to all US patients prescribed Blenrep. Designed to assist both patients and healthcare providers, the program offers personalized help navigating insurance, addressing cost concerns, and offering ongoing education and support. Learn more at TogetherwithGSK.com.
Data from the DREAMM (DRiving Excellence in Approaches to Multiple Myeloma) clinical trial program will be submitted to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines this year. Recent results from the DREAMM studies, alongside emerging real-world evidence, provide a growing body of data for Blenrep.5,6
GSK is advancing the DREAMM clinical program to demonstrate Blenrep’s potential benefit in earlier lines of treatment. Follow-up continues for overall survival (OS) in both DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 with data expected in early 2028, including in patients
Approvals outside of the US
Blenrep combinations are approved in multiple myeloma in the
About multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally and is generally considered treatable but not curable.11,12 There are approximately more than 180,000 new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed globally each year.13 Research into new therapies is needed as multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments.14 Many patients with multiple myeloma, including approximately 70% in the US, are treated in a community cancer setting, leaving an urgent need for new, effective therapies with manageable side effects that can be administered outside of an academic center.3,15,16
About DREAMM-7
DREAMM-7 is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin-blmf combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BVd) compared to daratumumab combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (DVd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
PFS results
17 were presented at the
About DREAMM-10
DREAMM-10 is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible patients with multiple myeloma, evaluating belantamab mafodotin-blmf plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (BRd) versus daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd).4
About Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf)
Blenrep is a monoclonal ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) comprising a humanized BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) conjugated to the cytotoxic agent auristatin F via a non-cleavable linker. The drug linker technology is licensed from
Indication and Important Safety Information for BLENREP (belantamab mafodotin-blmf)
BLENREP is indicated in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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WARNING: OCULAR TOXICITY
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WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Ocular Toxicity
BLENREP causes ocular toxicity, defined as changes in the corneal epithelium and changes in BCVA based on ophthalmic exam (including slit lamp exam), or other ocular adverse reactions as defined by the CTCAE.
In DREAMM-7, ocular toxicity occurred in 92% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 in 77% of patients. The most common ocular toxicities (>25%) were reduction in BCVA (89%) and corneal exam findings (86%) based on ophthalmic exam findings, blurred vision (66%), dry eye (51%), photophobia (47%), foreign body sensation in eyes (44%), eye irritation (43%), and eye pain (33%).
Ocular toxicity based on ophthalmic exam findings was reported as Grade 2 in 9% of patients, Grade 3 in 56% of patients, and Grade 4 in 21% of patients. The median time to onset of the first Grade 2 to 4 ophthalmic exam findings was 43 days (range: 15 to 611 days). The median duration of all Grade 2 to 4 ophthalmic exam findings was 85 days (range: 5 to 813 days). Patients experienced a median of 3 episodes (range: 1 to 11 episodes) of ocular toxicity based on ophthalmic exam findings. Of the patients with Grade 2 to 4 ophthalmic exam findings, 42% had improvement of the last event to Grade 1 or better; 22% had resolution of the last event based on return to baseline or normal ophthalmic exam findings.
The most commonly reported corneal exam findings included superficial punctate keratopathy, microcyst-like deposits, epithelial changes, and haze. Cases of corneal ulcer, including cases with infection, have been reported and should be managed promptly by an eye care professional.
A reduction in BCVA to 20/50 or worse in at least one eye occurred in 69% of patients, including 29%
Ophthalmic exams (including slit lamp exam and BCVA assessment) should be conducted by an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, at baseline, before each dose of BLENREP, promptly for new or worsening symptoms, and as clinically indicated. Perform baseline exam within 4 weeks prior to the first dose. Perform each follow-up exam within 10 days prior to the next planned dose. All effort should be made to schedule the exam as close to BLENREP dosing as possible. Withhold BLENREP until improvement in both corneal exam findings and change in BCVA to Grade 1 or less and resume at same or reduced dose or permanently discontinue based on severity.
Counsel patients to promptly inform their healthcare provider of any ocular symptoms. Counsel patients to use preservative-free artificial tears at least 4 times a day starting with the first infusion and continuing until the end of treatment, and to avoid wearing contact lenses for the duration of therapy. Bandage contact lenses may be used under the direction of an eye care professional.
Changes in visual acuity may be associated with difficulty for driving and reading. Counsel patients to use caution when driving or operating machinery.
BLENREP Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
BLENREP is available only through a restricted program called the BLENREP REMS because of the risk of ocular toxicity.
Further information is available at www.BLENREPREMS.com and 1‑855‑690-9572.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia of any grade occurred in 100% of patients in DREAMM‑7.
Grade 2 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10% of patients, Grade 3 in 29% of patients, and Grade 4 in 45% of patients. Clinically significant bleeding (Grade ≥2) occurred in 7% of patients with concomitant low platelet levels (Grade 3 or 4).
Monitor complete blood cell counts at baseline and periodically during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold or reduce the dose of BLENREP based on severity.
Embryo‑fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, BLENREP can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman because it contains a genotoxic compound (the microtubule inhibitor, monomethyl auristatin F [MMAF]) and it targets actively dividing cells.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BLENREP and for 4 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BLENREP and for 6 months after the last dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with BLENREP in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone are reduction in BCVA, corneal exam findings, blurred vision, dry eye, photophobia, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, hepatotoxicity, eye pain, diarrhea, fatigue, pneumonia, cataract and COVID-19.
The most common Grade 3 or 4 (≥10%) laboratory abnormalities are decreased platelets, decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, decreased white blood cells, and decreased hemoglobin.
Please see the full US Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide for BLENREP.
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About GSK
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Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section in GSK’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK’s Q2 Results for 2025.
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1 |
Bruno A, et al. Recent real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in US patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Expert Review of Hematology. 2020; Volume 13, Issue 9:1017–1025 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17474086.2020.1800451. |
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2 |
Blenrep US Prescribing Information. |
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3 |
Komodo claims data. Accessed |
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4 |
ClinicalTrials.gov. |
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5 |
Hungria V, Robak P, Hus M, et al. Belantamab Mafodotin, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2024 |
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6 |
Hungria V, Robak P, H Marek, et al. Belantamab Mafodotin, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Vs Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Overall Survival Analysis and Updated Efficacy Outcomes of the Phase 3 Dreamm-7 Trial. Presented at the 66th |
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GSK press release issued |
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GSK press release issued |
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GSK press release issued |
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GSK press release issued |
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Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel R, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21660. |
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Kazandjian D. Multiple myeloma epidemiology and survival: A unique malignancy. Semin Oncol. 2016;43(6):676–681.doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2016.11.004. |
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Nooka AK, Kastritis E, Dimopoulos MA. Treatment options for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Blood. 2015;125(20). doi:10.1182/blood-2014-11-568923. |
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Gajra A, Zalenski A, Sannareddy A, et al. Barriers to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapies in Clinical Practice. Pharmaceut Med. 2022 Jun;36(3):163-171. |
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Crombie J, Graff T, Falchi L, et al. Consensus recommendations on the management of toxicity associated with CD3×CD20 bispecific antibody therapy. Blood (2024) 143 (16): 1565–1575. |
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GSK press release issued |
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GSK press release issued |
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