On June 3, 2025 Johnson & Johnson reported initial Phase 1 results of JNJ-79635322 (JNJ-5322), a novel investigational trispecific antibody (TsAb) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, JUN 3, 2025, View Source;johnsons-trispecific-antibody-show-promising-response-in-heavily-pretreated-multiple-myeloma-patients-302471267.html [SID1234653684]). Among the 36 patients who received the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), the overall response rate (ORR) was 86.1 percent. In the 27 patients who were naive to BCMA and GPRC5D directed therapies, the ORR was 100 percent at the RP2D. Findings were featured in an oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Abstract #7505). The study will also be featured as one of the six best abstracts during the Plenary Abstracts Session at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress (Abstract #S100).1
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JNJ-5322 has a novel and distinct structure that builds upon the experience with two approved first-in-class bispecific antibodies: teclistamab and talquetamab. Unlike these bispecific antibodies, JNJ-5322 is a single molecule that simultaneously binds to three distinct targets (BCMA and GPRC5D on multiple myeloma cells, as well as CD3 on T-cells). JNJ-5322 targets two myeloma antigens, with the goal of overcoming tumor heterogeneity and preventing the development of resistance.
In the Phase 1, first-in-human study (NCT05652335), researchers investigated escalating doses of JNJ-5322 in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In the trial, 126 patients received JNJ-5322 with a median follow-up of 8.2 months. The recommended RP2D of 100 mg Q4W consists of one step-up dose of 5 mg and monthly dosing with 100 mg thereafter.
"The response rate with JNJ-5322 is encouraging as we explore the potential of this trispecific antibody for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients," said Niels van de Donk, M.D., Ph. D., VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands. "In addition to its monthly dosing and promising efficacy, the results indicate a promising safety profile and that further study of JNJ-5322 is warranted."
"These promising data are a major step forward as Johnson & Johnson works to transform outcomes in oncology with next-generation immunotherapies, building on our leading portfolio of complementary and combinable therapies. We look forward to seeing the results of planned Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "We hope to redefine what’s possible in terms of efficacy and safety, creating another strong treatment option clinicians can choose based on the needs of their patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma."
The most common adverse event was cytokine release syndrome (CRS), occurring in 59 percent of patients, but no events were Grade 3 or higher. Twenty-eight percent of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher infections. Five patients had dose-limiting toxicities, and four treatment emergent patient deaths due to adverse events were reported, with one death caused by adenoviral encephalitis related to the drug.
Taste-related AEs were reported in 58 percent of patients, majority Grade 1. The incidence of other GPRC5D-related oral AEs was low, with dry mouth reported in 17 percent of patients (no Grade 2 at RP2D) and dysphagia reported in less than 4 percent of patients (no reported events at the RP2D). In addition, grade 1/2 weight loss occurred in 6% (RP2D) and 12% (all doses) of patients, with no Grade ≥3 weight loss events.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.2 In multiple myeloma, these malignant plasma cells proliferate and replace normal cells in the bone marrow.3 Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer worldwide and remains an incurable disease.4 In 2024, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 will die from the disease.5 People with multiple myeloma have a 5-year survival rate of 59.8 percent. While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.