FDA Advisory Panel Votes Against Approval of GSK's Blenrep Combo

Core Viewpoint - GSK's Blenrep combination therapy has been voted against by the FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) due to an unfavorable benefit/risk profile, indicating that the risks currently outweigh the benefits for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma [1][8]. GSK's Stock Performance - Following the ODAC announcement, GSK's shares fell by 4.7% [2]. - Year-to-date, GSK's shares have increased by 7.8%, contrasting with a 0.6% decline in the industry [6]. Regulatory Context - The ODAC's opinion is significant as the FDA typically considers it in their final decision, which is expected on July 23 [3][8]. - The Blenrep combination therapy has already been approved in the UK and Japan but faces regulatory challenges in the United States [8][11]. - Regulatory applications for the Blenrep combination are under review in the EU and other countries [9]. Clinical Study Background - The biologics license application (BLA) for the Blenrep combination was based on data from the III DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 studies, which met their primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) [7]. - However, Blenrep was previously withdrawn from the U.S. market after failing to meet the primary endpoint in the phase III DREAMM-3 study [10].