BEERSE, Belgium, June 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen-Cilag today welcomes the approval by the European Commission of the update to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Velcade(R) (bortezomib) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The update includes data on overall survival rates. The decision follows a positive recommendation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the scientific committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

The CHMP reviewed clinical evidence from a prospectively defined survival update of the phase III international VISTA (Velcade as Initial Standard Therapy in Multiple Myeloma) study, which shows a significantly improved overall survival of 68.5% for patients treated with bortezomib plus melphalan and prednisone (Vc+M+P), compared to 54% (p=0.0008) for patients on melphalan and prednisone (M+P) alone after three years of treatment. The study also showed a significantly higher complete response rate of 30% for Vc+M+P versus 4% for M+P alone.[i]

The Pharmacological Properties section of the SmPC for bortezomib now includes these updated efficacy results, following the pre-planned survival follow-up analysis in the VISTA study.[ii]

In addition, data from more than ten studies of bortezomib in a number of different treatment settings were presented this weekend at the 15th Congress of the European Hematology Association in Barcelona.

The data presented highlights the evidence supporting the use of bortezomib as first line (in non-transplant eligible patients) and second line therapy and includes; data from RETRIEVE (Petrucci et al.), a large international phase II study on retreatment with bortezomib in patients who had previously responded, demonstrating the efficacy of bortezomib as a retreatment option[iii]; and a phase II trial (Dimopoulos et al.) of bortezomib as a second line treatment in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma - which showed an overall response rate of 83.7%.[iv]

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood, is the second most common haematologic malignancy. Traditionally, multiple myeloma is associated with a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3-5 years from diagnosis.

Although the disease remains incurable with conventional therapy, the outlook for many patients has improved in the last few years due to advances in novel therapies, such as bortezomib, which are increasingly being incorporated into present-day treatment practices.

Notes to editors

About Velcade (bortezomib)

Velcade (bortezomib) is a medicine used to treat the blood based cancer known as multiple myeloma. It contains an active substance called bortezomib and is the first in a new class of medicines known as proteasome inhibitors. Proteasomes are present in all cells and play an important role in controlling cell function, growth and also how cells interact with the other cells around them. Bortezomib reversibly interrupts the normal working of cell proteasomes causing myeloma cancer cells to stop growing and die. It is licensed for use in combination with melphalan and prednisone in previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma (i.e. the front line setting) who are ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.

About Janssen-Cilag

Janssen-Cilag is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies, with operations throughout the world.

The company is committed to discovering and delivering innovative medicines for diseases of high unmet medical need and has introduced a range of treatments that make an important difference to the lives of patients with serious health conditions.

Key areas of activity include; psychiatry; neurology; oncology; immunology, HIV; antibiotics; pain management; fungal diseases/dermatology; gastroenterology and women's health.

Key products include Risperdal(R) (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Risperdal(R) Consta(R) (schizophrenia) Concerta(R) XL (ADHD), Velcade(R) (oncology), Prezista(R) Intelence(R) (HIV), Stelara (psoriasis), Topamax(R) (epilepsy, migraine), Doribax(R) (antibiotics), Daktarin(R) (anti-fungal), Sporanox (anti-fungal), Durogesic(R) DTrans(R) (pain management), Pariet(R) (gastroenterology), Cilest(R) and Evorel(R) (women's health).

Medicines developed by Janssen-Cilag are used to treat around 1,500 million patients worldwide every year.

Janssen-Cilag is part of the Johnson Johnson family of companies, which comprises around 250 operating companies throughout the world and employ approximately 120,000 people in 57 countries. Johnson Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products and related services. More information can be found at http://www.janssen-cilag.co.uk

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[i] Maria-Victoria Mateos et al. Bortezomib plus melphalan-prednisone compared with Melphalan and Prednisone in previously untreated Multiple Myeloma: Updated follow-up and impact of subsequent therapy in phase 111 VISTA trial. J Clin Oncol 2010;28 (13): 2259-66

[ii] Janssen-Cilag International NV. Velcade 1 mg powder for solution for injection. Summary of Product Characteristics, June 2010.

[iii] Petrucci T, Blau I, Corradini P et al. Efficacy and safety of retreatment with bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma: interim results from retrieve, a prospective international phase 2 study; 15th Congress of the European Hematology Association 2010; Jun 10-13; Barcelona, Spain. Abstr. 0377

[iv] Dimopoulos M, Roddie H, Beksac M, et al. Randomized phase 2 trial of bortezomib-dexamethasone (VD) versus VD plus cyclophosphamide or lenalidomide in myeloma patients achieving stable disease after 4 cycles of VD as second-line treatment; 15th Congress of the European Hematology Association 2010; Jun 10-13; Barcelona, Spain. Abstr 0366

SOURCE: Janssen-Cilag

CONTACT: For further information please contact: Jennifer Tear, Director,Communications and Public Affairs, Tel: +32-14-60-26-38, Mobile:+32-473-55-94-60, Email: JTear1@its.jnj.com