Bristol Myers Squibb Reports ZENBEXUS Phase 3 Shows 51% Lower Multiple-Myeloma Progression Risk
Bristol Myers Squibb reported positive topline results from the Phase 3 EXCALIBER-RRMM trial of ZENBEXUS (iberdomide) with daratumumab and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Median progression-free survival was 42 months versus 20 months with daratumumab, bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd), corresponding to a hazard ratio of 0.49, or a 51% lower risk of progression or death, with p<0.000001.
The direct evidence identifies a new positive topline Phase 3 EXCALIBER-RRMM result reported by Bristol Myers Squibb on October 8, 2026: ZENBEXUS with daratumumab and dexamethasone produced median progression-free survival of 42 months versus 20 months for DVd, with HR 0.49 and p<0.000001. This is a forward-looking clinical catalyst with implications for treatment adoption, regulatory confirmation, and Bristol Myers Squibb's multiple-myeloma franchise, so clinical_study is the most specific type and the development merits high importance. The result is a meaningful surprise but not a maximum shock because earlier MRD-based efficacy data and accelerated approval were already available. The date is explicit, while the source timestamp is used as the best proxy for the announcement time; therefore timestamp confidence is lower than overall factual confidence. Stakeholder approval is limited to BMY, JNJ, and TAK because they have direct exposure through ZENBEXUS, the daratumumab backbone, and the bortezomib comparator, respectively; more distant competitors and testing providers are too indirect or speculative for approval.
Bristol Myers Squibb said ZENBEXUS (iberdomide) + daratumumab + dexamethasone achieved median PFS 42 months vs 20 months for DVd in Phase 3 RRMM (HR 0.49, p<0.000001) with 23 months’ median follow-up.