Sustained MRD negativity (10-5) rates at 24 months or longer were more than doubled in transplant eligible patients treated with daratumumab-VRd vs VRd alone in the Phase 3 PERSEUS study1
Data from the Phase 3 CEPHEUS study show daratumumab-VRd significantly reduced the risk of progression or death by 49 percent vs VRd alone in transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed patients2
BEERSE, BELGIUM, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced data from two studies highlighting that DARZALEX® (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (daratumumab-VRd) demonstrated deep and sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates, and improved long-term progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), regardless of transplant status.1,2 Findings were highlighted as oral presentations of an analysis of sustained MRD in transplant-eligible patients from the Phase 3 PERSEUS study (Abstract #7501) and a subgroup analysis of transplant-ineligible patients in the Phase 3 CEPHEUS study (Abstract #7516) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.1,2
“Daratumumab-based quadruplet regimens are redefining frontline treatment in multiple myeloma, offering the potential for deeper, more durable responses from the start, bringing patients closer to long-term remission,” said Ester in’t Groen, EMEA Therapeutic Area Head Haematology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “The latest data presented at ASCO further support the role of the PERSEUS and CEPHEUS regimens as a standard of care in patients with newly diagnosed disease, regardless of transplant eligibility.”
A new analysis from the Phase 3 PERSEUS study shows the addition of daratumumab-VRd followed by a maintenance regimen of daratumumab SC with lenalidomide (daratumumab-R), led to improved and deepened rates of overall and sustained MRD negativity (10-5) compared to VRd induction and consolidation with R maintenance.1 At a median follow-up of 47.5 months, sustained MRD negativity (10-5) rates were more than doubled with daratumumab-VRd followed by daratumumab-R maintenance compared to VRd and R maintenance at both 12 months or longer (64.8 percent vs 29.7 percent; odds ratio, 4.42; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 3.22–6.08; p<0.0001) and 24 months or longer (55.8 percent vs 22.6 percent; odds ratio [OR], 4.36, 95 percent CI, 3.15–6.05, p<0.0001).1
Among patients achieving sustained MRD negativity for 12 months or longer, the 48-month PFS rate for daratumumab-VRd followed by daratumumab-R maintenance was 95.3 percent compared to 94.2 percent for VRd and R maintenance (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; 95 percent CI,0.3–2.3)—reinforcing the importance of achieving sustained MRD negativity for prolonged disease remission.1
“The data show that daratumumab-VRd followed by a daratumumab-R maintenance regimen is a highly effective treatment option for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma,” said Philippe Moreau, M.D., head of the Hematology Department, University Hospital Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France and presenting author.* “The depth and durability of MRD negativity observed—paired with high rates of progression-free survival at four years—underscore the long-term benefit the daratumumab SC-based regimen can offer patients early in their treatment journey.”
Additional data from Phase 3 CEPHEUS study explore the benefits of daratumumab SC in transplant-ineligible patients across cytogenetic risk status
The post-hoc analysis of the Phase 3 CEPHEUS study focused exclusively on transplant-ineligible patients, reinforcing that adding daratumumab SC to VRd significantly deepens response and prolongs PFS compared to VRd alone in this patient population.2
At a median follow-up of 58.7 months, patients receiving daratumumab-VRd achieved markedly higher overall MRD negativity rates at the 10⁻⁵ sensitivity threshold with 60.4 percent vs 39.3 percent with VRd (OR, 2.37; 95 percent CI, 1.47–3.80; p=0.0004).2 Furthermore, treatment with daratumumab-VRd resulted in high MRD-negativity rates at the 10⁻⁶ threshold with 45.8 percent compared to 26.9 percent with VRd (OR, 2.28; 95 percent CI, 1.40–3.73; p=0.0010).2 These deeper responses translated into improved long-term outcomes, with 69.0 percent of patients remaining progression-free at 54-months when treated with daratumumab-VRd vs 48.0 percent with VRd (HR, 0.51; 95 percent CI, 0.35–0.74; p=0.0003).2 Overall survival (OS) numerically favoured daratumumab-VRd (HR, 0.66; 95 percent CI, 0.42–1.03, p=0.0682), with an even greater benefit observed after censoring for COVID-19-related deaths (HR, 0.55; 95 percent CI, 0.34–0.90, p=0.0159).2
Additional data presented at ASCO included a subgroup analysis of the CEPHEUS trial for both transplant-ineligible and deferred NDMM patients who were considered high-risk for cytogenetic abnormalities (Abstract #7529).3 At a median follow-up of 58.7 months, overall MRD negativity rate was improved for patients with standard risk in daratumumab-VRd vs VRd.3 Although rates of MRD negativity by treatment arm in patients with protocol-defined high-risk were comparable, PFS trended toward improvement with daratumumab-VRd.3
“Across multiple studies, the growing body of data on daratumumab-based regimens indicates impressive, deep responses and meaningful progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, including high-risk,” Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “These consistent results across patient populations, regardless of transplant eligibility, reinforce the role of daratumumab SC as a cornerstone of frontline therapy.”
In the PERSEUS and CEPHEUS studies, the safety profiles were consistent with the known safety profile for daratumumab SC.1,2,3 Safety results of daratumumab-VRd in the PERSEUS study were previously reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.4 The most common haematologic adverse reactions (≥20 percent) in patients with multiple myeloma who received daratumumab-VRd vs VRd included neutropenia (69.2 percent vs 58.8 percent), thrombocytopenia (48.4 percent vs 34.3 percent), and anaemia (22.2 percent vs 20.7 percent).4 Similarly, in the CEPHEUS study, daratumumab-VRd showed no additional safety concerns in the transplant-ineligible subgroup compared with the intent to treat population.2 The most common Grade 3/4 haematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were neutropenia (43.8 percent vs 31.7 percent), thrombocytopenia (30.6 percent vs 23.2 percent) and anaemia (12.5 percent vs 12.7 percent).2
About the PERSEUS and CEPHEUS studies
The PERSEUS study (NCT03710603) is being conducted in collaboration with the European Myeloma Network as the sponsor.5 PERSEUS is an ongoing, randomised, open-label, Phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (daratumumab-VRd) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) followed by D-R maintenance vs standard bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) and ASCT followed by R maintenance in patients with transplant eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) (n=355).4 The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints include overall complete response or better rate, overall minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (in patients with complete response or better) and overall survival (OS).4 Daratumumab subcutaneous (SC) formulation was discontinued after at least 24 months of D-R maintenance therapy in patients who had a complete response or better and had sustained MRD negative status for at least 12 months.4 The median age is 61.0 (range, 32-70) years for patients in the daratumumab-VRd arm and 59.0 (range, 31-70) years for patients in the VRd arm.4 The study is being conducted in 13 countries in Europe and Australia.5 On 23 October 2024, an indication extension for daratumumab-VRd was approved by the European Commission for NDMM who are eligible for ASCT, based on the results of the PERSEUS study.6,7
CEPHEUS (NCT03652064) is an ongoing, randomised, open-label, Phase 3 study comparing SC daratumumab-VRd with standard VRd.8,9 The trial has enrolled 395 patients with NDMM who are either ineligible for stem cell transplantation (SCT) or for whom SCT is not planned.9 The primary endpoint is overall MRD-negativity rate.9 The minimum age for participation is 18 years for patients in both the daratumumab-VRd arm and VRd arm, with a median patient age of 70 (range 31-80).8 The study is being conducted in 13 countries across North America, South America and Europe.9 On 7 April 2025, an indication extension for daratumumab-VRd was approved by the European Commission for NDMM, based on the results of the CEPHEUS study.9,10
About daratumumab and daratumumab SC
Johnson & Johnson is committed to exploring the potential of daratumumab for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease.
In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Johnson & Johnson an exclusive licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise daratumumab. Since launch, daratumumab has become a foundational therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 618,000 patients worldwide.11 Daratumumab is the only CD38-directed antibody approved to be given subcutaneously to treat patients with multiple myeloma.12 Daratumumab SC is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology.12
CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.12 Daratumumab binds to CD38 and inhibits tumour cell growth causing myeloma cell death.12 Daratumumab may also have an effect on normal cells.12 Data across ten Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that daratumumab-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival.8,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20
For further information on daratumumab, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/h1101.htm.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is currently an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.21,22 In multiple myeloma, these malignant plasma cells continue to proliferate, accumulating in the body and crowding out normal blood cells, as well as often causing bone destruction and other serious complications.22 In the European Union, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022, and more than 22,700 patients died.23 Patients living with multiple myeloma experience relapses which become more frequent with each line of therapy 24,25 while remissions become progressively shorter.24,25,26 Whilst some patients with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, others can have common signs and symptoms of the disease, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, fatigue, high calcium levels, infections, or kidney damage.27
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow. and profoundly impact health for humanity.
Learn more at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com/emea. Follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/jnj-innovative-medicine-emea. Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and Janssen Research & Development, LLC are Johnson & Johnson companies.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of daratumumab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov/, http://www.jnj.com/ or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
*Philippe Moreau, M.D., head of the Hematology Department, University Hospital Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France, has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Janssen-Cilag International NV; he has not been paid for any media work.
1 Moreau P, et al. Subcutaneous daratumumab (Dara) + bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (VRd) with Dara + lenalidomide (DR) maintenance in transplant-eligible (TE) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): analysis of sustained minimal residual disease negativity in the phase 3 PERSEUS trial. Oral presentation. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 30 – June 3, 2025.
2 Facon T, et al. Daratumumab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DVRd) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): Subgroup analysis of transplant-ineligible (TIE) patients in the phase 3 CEPHEUS study. Oral presentation. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 30 – June 3, 2025.
3 Bahlis N.J, Daratumumab + bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DVRd) vs VRd in transplant-ineligible (TIE)/transplant-deferred (TD) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): phase 3 CEPHEUS trial cytogenetic subgroup analysis. Poster presentation. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 30 – June 3, 2025.
4 Sonneveld P, et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:301-313.
5 ClinicalTrials.gov. Daratumumab, VELCADE (bortezomib), lenalidomide and dexamethasone compared to VELCADE, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in subjects with previously untreated multiple myeloma (Perseus). NCT03710603. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03710603. Last accessed: May 2025.
6 Rodríguez-Otero P, et al. Daratumumab (DARA) + bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (VRd) in transplant-eligible (TE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): analysis of minimal residual disease (MRD) in the PERSEUS trial. 2024 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. June 3, 2024.
7 Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine EMEA. DARZALEX® (daratumumab)-SC based quadruplet regimen approved by the European Commission for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant-eligible. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/darzalex-daratumumab-sc-based-quadruplet-regimen-approved-by-the-european-commission-for-patients-with-newly-diagnosed-multiple-myeloma-who-are-transplant-eligible. Last accessed: May 2025.
8 Usmani S Z, et al. Daratumumab + Bortezomib/Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone in Patients With Transplant-ineligible or Transplant-deferred Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Results of the Phase 3 CEPHEUS Study. Oral presentation. 21st International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting. September 25 – 28, 2024.
9 Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study Comparing Daratumumab, VELCADE (Bortezomib), Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone (D-VRd) With VELCADE, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone (VRd) in Participants With Untreated Multiple Myeloma and for Whom Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant is Not Planned as Initial Therapy. NCT03652064. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03652064?term=NCT03652064&cond=Multiple%20Myeloma&rank=1&a=63. Last accessed: May 2025.
10 European Commission approves Johnson & Johnson’s subcutaneous DARZALEX® (daratumumab)-based quadruplet regimen for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, regardless of transplant eligibility. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/european-commission-approves-johnson-johnsons-subcutaneous-darzalex-daratumumab-based-quadruplet-regimen-for-the-treatment-of-patients-with-newly-diagnosed-multiple-myeloma-regardless-of-transplant-eligibility. Last accessed: May 2025.
11 Johnson & Johnson [data on file]. RF-430506. Number of patients treated with DARZALEX® worldwide as of 30 June 2024.
12 Janssen EMEA. European Commission Grants Marketing Authorisation for DARZALEX® (Daratumumab) Subcutaneous Formulation for All Currently Approved Daratumumab Intravenous Formulation Indications. Available at: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200604005487/en/European-Commission-GrantsMarketingAuthorisation-for-DARZALEX%C2%AE%E2%96%BC-daratumumab-SubcutaneousFormulation-for-all-CurrentlyApproved-Daratumumab-Intravenous-Formulation-Indications. Last accessed: May 2025.
13 Moreau P, et al. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with or without daratumumab before and after autologous stem-cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (CASSIOPEIA): a randomised, openlabel, phase 3 study. Lancet 2019;394(10192):29-38.
14 Facon T, et al. MAIA Trial Investigators. Daratumumab plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. N Engl J Med 2019;380(22):2104-2115.
15 Mateos MV, et al. Overall survival with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (ALCYONE): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial. The Lancet 2020;395:P132-141.
16 Dimopoulos MA, et al. APOLLO Trial Investigators. Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone versus pomalidomide and dexamethasone alone in previously treated multiple myeloma (APOLLO): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 2021;22(6):801-812.
17 Palladini G, et al. Daratumumab plus CyBorD for patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis: safety run-in results of ANDROMEDA. Blood 2020;2;136(1):71-80.
18 Chari A, et al. Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Blood 2017;130(8):974-981.
19 Bahlis NJ, et al. Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: extended follow-up of POLLUX, a randomized, open-label, phase 3 study. Leukemia 2020;34(7):1875-1884.
20 Mateos MV, et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma: Three-year Follow-up of CASTOR. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020;20(8):509-518.
21 Abdi J, et al. Drug resistance in multiple myeloma: latest findings on molecular mechanisms. Oncotarget 2013;4(12):2186-2207.
22 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Multiple myeloma: introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/if-you-have-multiple-myeloma. Last accessed: May 2025.
23 ECIS – European Cancer Information System. Estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in 2022, by country. Multiple myeloma. Available at: https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/explorer.php?$0-0$1-All$2-All$4-1,2$3-51$6-0,85$5-2022,2022$7-7$CEstByCountry$X0_8-3$X0_19-AE27$X0_20-No$CEstBySexByCountry$X1_8-3$X1_19-AE27$X1_-1-1$CEstByIndiByCountry$X2_8-3$X2_19-AE27$X2_20-No$CEstRelative$X3_8-3$X3_9-AE27$X3_19-AE27$CEstByCountryTable$X4_19-AE27. Last accessed: May 2025.
24 Bhatt P, Kloock C, Comenzo R. Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Available Therapies and Clinical Scenarios Encountered in Myeloma Relapse. Curr Oncol. 2023;30(2):2322-2347.
25 Hernández-Rivas JÁ, et al. The changing landscape of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (MM): fundamentals and controversies. Biomark Res. 2022;10(1):1-23.
26 Gavriatopoulou M, et al. Metabolic Disorders in Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11430.
27 American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma: early detection, diagnosis and staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8740.00.pdf. Last accessed: May 2025.
CP-520659
May 2025
CONTACT: Media contact: Jenni Mildon jmildon@its.jnj.com +44 7920 418 552 Investor contact: Lauren Johnson investor-relations@its.jnj.com
