What You Should Know About the New Zenbexus (iberdomide) Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zenbexus (iberdomide), in combination with Darzalex^® (daratumumab) and dexamethasone, for patients whose multiple myeloma has returned after one or more previous treatments.

Zenbexus is a type of treatment called a CELMoD, or cereblon E3 ligase modulator. It works differently from other commonly used myeloma treatments and gives patients another option when their myeloma returns.
Zenbexus is a pill taken by mouth, offering patients the convenience of taking this part of their treatment at home rather than having to visit a cancer center to receive it.

Here’s what you should know about Zenbexus, including how it works and where it may fit into a treatment plan.

What is Zenbexus?

Zenbexus is a new type of treatment called a CELMoD. It is related to commonly used myeloma medicines such as Revlimid^® (lenalidomide) and Pomalyst^® (pomalidomide) but is designed to fight myeloma in a new and more powerful way. Zenbexus directly targets myeloma cells while also helping the immune system better recognize and attack them as well.

Zenbexus is also being studied in other areas of myeloma, including as maintenance therapy and in combination with other immune-based treatments. These studies will help researchers and clinicians better understand where CELMoDs may fit across each patient’s treatment journey.

Why Zenbexus is convenient for patients

One important feature of  Zenbexus is that it is taken orally (by mouth).

Myeloma treatment can require frequent trips to a cancer center or clinic for injections, infusions, laboratory testing, and other appointments. Over time, all of those visits cost patients and caregivers significant time and money.

Because Zenbexus is taken by mouth, the medication itself does not require an infusion or injection, offering greater flexibility and less disruption in a patient’s daily life.

This may be particularly meaningful for patients who:

• Live far from a myeloma treatment center or specialist
• Have difficulty traveling for care or affording transportation
• Rely on a caregiver for transportation or support
• Are balancing treatment with work, family, or other responsibilities
• Prefer an oral medication when it is medically appropriate

It is important to remember that Zenbexus is approved as part of a combination regimen with Darzalex (daratumumab) and dexamethasone, so patients will still need regular clinic visits to receive Darzalex. However, because Zenbexus itself is taken at home, it may reduce the number of treatments that need to be administered by injection or infusion in the clinic compared with some other treatment combinations.

What are Zenbexus’s side effects?

Like all myeloma treatments, Zenbexus can cause side effects, and patients should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their healthcare team. 

Reported side effects of  Zenbexus include: 

• Infections 
• Anemia 
• Fatigue 
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea 

Keep your healthcare team informed about any side effects you experience. Having a plan for what to watch for, who to contact, and when to reach out can help your care team address side effects early and support you throughout treatment.

What you can do now

If your myeloma has returned or stopped responding to treatment, consider talking with your healthcare team about whether Zenbexus may be an option for you.

Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:

• Am I eligible for treatment with Zenbexus
• How often would I need to come to the clinic while receiving this combination?
• How and when would I take Zenbexus at home?
• What side effects should I watch for between appointments?
• How might this treatment fit with my daily routine and my work, travel, or caregiving needs?
• How will my care team monitor whether the treatment is working?

With more treatment options, like CELMoDs, patients and their care teams have more opportunities to consider not only how well a treatment may work, but also how it may fit into a patient’s life.

The MMRF Patient Navigation Center can provide one-on-one guidance to help you understand treatment options and prepare for conversations with your care team. The MMRF Education Hub also offers resources to help patients and caregivers learn more about multiple myeloma treatments and make informed decisions throughout the myeloma journey.