FDA approves new drug Tecvayli for advanced multiple myeloma.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug called Tecvayli (teclistamab) for adults with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. This medicine is for patients whose cancer has returned or stopped responding to previous treatments. Tecvayli works by helping the immune system attack cancer cells. It can be used alone for patients who have already tried at least four other types of treatment, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody. It can also be used in combination with two other drugs (daratumumab and hyaluronidase) for patients who have had at least one prior line of therapy that included a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. Tecvayli is given as an injection under the skin. To reduce the risk of a serious side effect called cytokine release syndrome, the dose is increased gradually over several days. Patients must stay in the hospital for 48 hours after the first two step-up doses. This approval gives patients with advanced multiple myeloma a new treatment option. However, like all medicines, Tecvayli may not be right for everyone. If you or a loved one has multiple myeloma, talk to your doctor about whether Tecvayli could be an option for your specific situation.