Janssen Research & Development, LLC announced it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to initiate two studies to determine the safety and tolerability of daratumumab (DARZALEX®), the first CD38-directed monoclonal antibody (mAb), in combination with atezolizumab, an investigational mAb designed to bind with a protein called programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).
These studies will assess the potential of the combination therapy in multiple myeloma and in solid tumor. Atezolizumab is currently in development by Roche. Janssen licensed daratumumab from Genmab A/S and is responsible for development and marketing.
As part of the collaboration, Janssen will sponsor a Phase 1b, open-label, multicenter study that will investigate the potential of daratumumab in combination with atezolizumab in patients with solid tumor. Genentech is the sponsor of an ongoing Phase 1b, open-label, multicenter study that will be amended to assess atezolizumab in combination with daratumumab, with daratumumab and lenalidomide, and with daratumumab and pomalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. These studies are anticipated to start dosing patients within a year.
