The Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved the first licensed treatment for newly diagnosed systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis.
The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson welcomes the decision by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to accept Darzalex® (daratumumab) in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (DBCd) for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis.1
AL amyloidosis is a rare and incurable bone marrow disorder that comes with debilitating symptoms including life-threatening organ damage.1,2 Before the SMC’s acceptance of DBCd, there were no licensed treatment options available for people with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis in Scotland. Furthermore, this group of patients will be the first to access DBCd as a treatment option for newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis in the UK.1
DBCd is a highly effective and generally well-tolerated treatment that has demonstrated a deep and durable response that reduces organ deterioration and improves quality of life compared to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (BCd) alone.1
Amanda Cunnington, Director of Patient Access, Janssen-Cilag Limited said: “This is an important milestone for patients with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis who need effective and well-tolerated treatments. DBCd is the first licensed treatment for this group of patients and will play an important role in helping to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for those living with this disease. The SMC acceptance provides further recognition for daratumumab and we are proud that newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis patients are able to benefit from this combination treatment.”
References
[1] Scottish Medicines Consortium. Daratumumab (Darzalex) in combination with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis.
[2] Myeloma UK. AL amyloidosis. Available at https://www.myeloma.org.uk/understanding-myeloma/related-conditions/al-amyloidosis. Last accessed August 2022.
