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Biotech / Medical : Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MLNM) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ian@SI who wrote (2669)	6/22/2006 8:46:30 AM
From: tom pope	Respond to of 3044

Merrill's take: More positive data for Velcade in front-line MM MLNM announced positive data from a 60-patient open-label phase I/II trial of Velcade in combination with melphalan and prednisone (V-MP) vs. MP in elderly (60-85yrs) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were ineligible for stem cell transplants. Velcade combination regimens have consistently shown encouraging data in the front-line setting and we expect interim data from at least one of 3 ongoing phase III trials in front-line multiple myeloma by YE 2006. But from a competitive standpoint, an all oral regimen will likely have an advantage in the front-line setting, particularly in the elderly. Maintain Neutral. Consistently high response rates in front-line MM The phase I/II data for V-MP showed a complete response (CR) rate of 32%, a near complete response (nCR) rate of 11% and an overall response rate (ORR) of 89%. These are at the high end of prior data for various Velcade combination regimens in the front-line setting that have shown CR’s in the 20-33% range and ORR up to 95%. Velcade in 3 phase Ill trials in front-line multiple myeloma Velcade is currently in 3 phase III combination trials in the treatment of front-line multiple myeloma, including the VISTA trial, initiated in 1Q05, which is assessing the V-MP regimen. We expect interim data from at least one of the phase III trials by year-end 2006. But, oral regimens may have advantage in the elderly The reported Velcade data in the elderly is impressive, but from a competitive standpoint, an all oral regimen such as R-MP (Revlimid, melphalan, prednisone), which is entering phase III later in ‘06, may have an advantage in elderly patients.