An independent panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted in favor of approving GlaxoSmithKline’s experimental treatment for a common form of blood cancer, saying the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks.

GlaxoSmithKline submitted a Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA based upon results from the pivotal DREAMM-2 Phase III trial of belantamab mafodotin in multiple myeloma.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Janssen’s Darzalex (daratumumab) in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant.

GlaxoSmithKline said an experimental multiple myeloma treatment showed a meaningful response in patients that have run out of three previous treatment options.

The U.S. FDA granted Priority Review to daratumumab as a combination treatment for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant.

The pharma industry’s R&D concentration has been shifting towards specialty therapy areas as research and development returns decline for some leaders.