Bristol Myers Squibb ($BMY) multiple myeloma drug cut progression risk in late-stage trial

Bristol Myers Squibb reported positive Phase 3 results for experimental multiple myeloma therapy mezigdomide, strengthening its next-generation oncology pipeline as the company prepares for increased generic competition to key legacy products.

The SUCCESSOR-2 study showed that mezigdomide, when combined with Amgen’s Kyprolis and dexamethasone, reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 52% compared with the standard treatment regimen alone in patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma.

Median progression-free survival reached 18 months for patients receiving the mezigdomide combination, compared with 8.3 months in the control group. The treatment also achieved an overall response rate of 80.2%, versus 53.4% for standard therapy, while complete response rates were nearly three times higher.

The data were presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago.

Mezigdomide belongs to Bristol Myers’ CELMoD class of therapies, which the company views as a potential successor to older multiple myeloma treatments Revlimid and Pomalyst as those products face growing generic competition.

While adverse events were more common among patients receiving mezigdomide, Bristol Myers said side effects remained manageable. The most frequently reported serious adverse event was neutropenia, a reduction in white blood cell levels.

The positive trial outcome reinforced Bristol Myers’ strategy of expanding its haematology portfolio through newer therapies that could help offset future revenue pressure from patent expirations and generic competition. Investors are likely to watch closely for future regulatory and commercial developments as the company continues advancing its next-generation myeloma franchise.