Novartis investigational compound LBH589 significantly extended time without disease progression in Phase III multiple myeloma study

Study of LBH589 plus bortezomib and dexamethasone met primary endpoint of extending PFS compared to bortezomib plus dexamethasone and placebo. LBH589 has potential to be the first in its class of anticancer agents available to patients with multiple myeloma - Data will be presented at an upcoming medical congress and discussed with regulatory authorities worldwide Basel, December 6, 2013 - Novartis today announced that results of a Phase III trial of the investigational compound LBH589 (panobinostat) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, met the primary endpoint of significantly extending progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma when compared to bortezomib plus dexamethasone alone. Full results from the PANORAMA-1 trial, continue to be evaluated and will be presented at an upcoming medical congress and discussed with regulatory authorities worldwide. Multiple myeloma affects approximately 1 to 5 in every 100,000 people worldwide each year. The five year survival-rate for patients with the disease is about 44% . LBH589 showed significant clinical benefit bringing it a step closer to becoming the first in its class of anticancer agents to be available to patients with multiple myeloma. As a pan-deacetylase (pan-DAC) inhibitor, LBH589 works by blocking a key cancer cell enzyme which ultimately leads to cellular stress and death of these cells.