Next-generation treatment for multiple myeloma shows early promise

Initial results from an early phase study testing the safety and efficacy of a new drug for multiple myeloma have shown a 100 per cent overall response rate in patients with recurrent disease who were given the clinically recommended dose of the investigational drug. This has meant that trial participants experienced a reduction of the disease by at least 50 per cent.

These promising initial results from the ongoing first-in-human phase 1 study were presented by UCLH consultant haematologist Rakesh Popat at the European Haematology Association (EHA) Congress in June 2025. UCLH was the highest recruiting site for the initial phase of this global study.

The purpose of the study is to determine the safest, most effective dose of the investigational drug (known as JNJ-79635322) for people who have not responded to initial therapy or whose disease has come back after initial therapy for myeloma.

Current treatment for myeloma often helps to control the condition for several years, but in most cases, myeloma cannot be cured. Research is vital therefore to help find new treatments.

JNJ-79635322 is a type of treatment called a trispecific antibody. Antibodies that normally occur in the body attach to foreign proteins such as those found on viruses or bacteria.

The study drug can attach to two different parts of cancer cell proteins while the third part attaches to T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell that help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. By attaching to cancer proteins and T cells, the study drug helps the body fight cancer cells.

Dr Popat, who is also honorary associate professor at UCL, presented his analysis of the study based on 126 patients from sites around the world. He said: “This trispecific antibody represents the next generation of immune therapies and demonstrated a 100% response rate when used at its recommended dose in this first analysis. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated by our patients.

“This data shows that this antibody is able to achieve response rates similar to more recent therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, but with an off the shelf availability that could be delivered in an out-patient setting making it easier for patients and staff.”

Full results will be published after completion of the full phase I study. The study is sponsored by Janssen Research & Development and was delivered at the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility, where Dr Popat is the cancer theme lead.