According to the Zhuo's Financial APP, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) has released summaries of some research at the 2024 conference. Among them, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.US) developed the anti-CD38 antibody Darzalex (daratumumab), which met the main endpoint in the phase 3 clinical trial named Aquila, significantly delaying disease progression in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients.

The summary points out that Darzalex monotherapy has good tolerability, and compared to active monitoring, it shows statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits in preventing or delaying the progression of high-risk SMM patients to active MM.

Public information shows that SMM is the asymptomatic phase preceding multiple myeloma (MM), which may progress to active multiple myeloma with no approved treatment regimen at present. However, recent studies indicate that patients at high risk of progressing to MM may benefit from early treatment. Darzalex is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD38, approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM, and used in combination with standard treatment as first-line treatment for newly diagnosed MM patients. The Aquila study aims to determine if Darzalex, compared to active monitoring, is more effective in delaying the progression of MM.