Phase III study of perifosine (Aeterna Zentaris )for Multiple Myeloma discontinued

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. has announced that an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board ("DSMB") has recommended discontinuing the ongoing Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of perifosine to placebo when combined with bortezomib (Velcade) and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma. Based on the outcome of its pre planned interim analysis of efficacy and safety, the DSMB recommended that patient enrollment be stopped and the study discontinued. The DSMB reported that it was highly unlikely the study would achieve a significant difference in its primary endpoint, progression free survival; no safety concerns were raised.