Velcade bortezomib regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued final guidance recommending the use of Velcade bortezomib from Johnson & Johnson in combination with dexamethasone or with dexamethasone plus thalidomide for induction treatment of adults with previously untreated multiple myeloma (MM) who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The final guidance is in line with a final appraisal determination (FAD) issued in March (see BioCentury, March 31). The European Commission expanded the label of Velcade to include the 2 indications last year. ...