IMS 2025: Day 1 Features Encouraging Results for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory and High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

This week, the International Myeloma Society (IMS) is hosting its 22nd Annual Meeting—the world’s largest gathering of multiple myeloma researchers and clinicians. The MMRF team is on the ground in Toronto attending scientific sessions, connecting with experts, and bringing you real-time coverage of the latest breakthroughs.

Over the next four days, we’ll highlight the most promising research and key insights shaping the future of myeloma treatment. Much of the science being presented is closely aligned with MMRF’s strategic research priorities and addresses critical unmet needs in patient care, including:

• New therapies for patients at all stages of the disease
• New therapies for patients with high-risk disease
• Expanding bispecific antibody treatment from hospital to community settings
• Optimizing CAR T-cell therapy approaches
• Understanding markers that predict risk and may inform treatment decisions

Here’s what captured our attention on day one.

New Treatments on the Horizon for Relapsed/Refractory Patients

Data from early-phase studies of several new treatments were very encouraging, particularly for groups of patients who have exhausted current treatment options. Here are three with exciting potential:

• Cevostamab is a new bispecific antibody that goes after a different target on myeloma cells (called FcRH5) compared to the other available bispecific treatments. In a phase 1 study of 32 relapsed/refractory patients—most relapsing after two prior therapies—response rates were 86% with low-dose cevostamab plus Pomalyst/dexamethasone and 88% with the higher dose. Side effects such as infections did occur but were treatable and did not lead to anyone stopping treatment.
• ISB 2001 is a new trispecific antibody that is designed to more strongly bind to myeloma cells and destroy them. In a phase 1 study of 35 relapsed/refractory patients, about 74% responded to ISB 2001, many of whom (43%) already had a prior CAR T or bispecific treatment. Patients experienced deep, lasting benefits at about six months of follow-up. In the study, ISB 2001 was given by injection once a week, but may eventually be given monthly due to how long it lasts in the body.
• Arlo-cel is a new CAR T-cell therapy that targets GPRC5D, the same protein targeted by the bispecific therapy Talvey. In a phase 1 study of 86 relapsed/refractory patients, more than 90% of patients responded to the treatment. At least 45% of these patients had already tried bispecific or CAR T therapies, so this treatment could offer hope for people who are running out of options. We’ll share more on arlo-cel in the days to come, so stay tuned.

While the results of these studies are promising, more work is needed to figure out how well they compare to currently approved myeloma treatments.

Treatments for Patients with High-Risk Disease

Patients with high-risk multiple myeloma face a more aggressive and treatment-resistant form of the disease, so they often have a worse prognosis. Research is needed to find and improve effective strategies for newly diagnosed and relapsed patients who fall into this high-risk category.

Several abstracts highlighted encouraging progress in this area. One standout study looked at the combination of Talvey (talquetamab) and Tecvayli (teclistamab) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and extramedullary disease—a group of patients who have myeloma in other organs of the body beyond the bone marrow. Nearly 80% of patients responded to this combination of bispecifics.

Importantly, the combination of Talvey and Tecvayli worked better for patients than either drug by itself. In fact, about twice as many people improved with the combination compared to just one of the treatments.

We are encouraged by these developments and will continue to monitor advancements in this important area of research.

Stay tuned for more daily highlights and expert perspectives from the conference this week.