Anaysis shows Revlimid/dexamethasone combo extends life in multiple myeloma patients

COPENHAGEN, Denmark A new drug in phase III testing shows promise in increasing survival rates of patients with multiple myeloma, according to results presented Saturday at the 13th European Hematology Association in Copenhagen.

Celgene International Sarl’s Revlimid, given in combination with dexamethasone, increased by an average of 5.6 years the lives of patients with the deadly blood cancer.

Multiple myeloma causes overproduction of malignant plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Normal plasma cells produce antibodies that help the immune system. The malignant cells, however, produce antibodies that don’t help the body. They eventually replace the normal plasma cells, as well as other white blood cells. They also attach themselves to other cells and create tumors. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation estimates that 19,920 new cases of the cancer will be diagnosed this year.

Based in Boudry, Switzerland, Celgene International Sarl is a wholly owned subsidiary of Summit, N.J.-based Celgene Corporation.