Ninlaro (ixazomib) and Velcade (bortezomib) are both targeted therapy anticancer drugs that belong to the same drug class of proteasome inhibitors, they both work inside cells to cause cancer cells to die. Velcade was the first one of these types of drugs developed and was approved in 2003, then after further research Ninlaro was developed and approved in 2015.

Ninlaro or Velcade, which one is better?

From the clinical trials of Ninlaro and Velcade the results show:

• Ninlaro in more convenient, as it is a weekly capsule

• Ninlaro is better tolerated as is has less severe side effects

• Overall response rate of both medicines was similar.

Ninlaro is used to treat multiple myeloma and Velcade can be used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Both Ninlaro and Velcade are used in combination with other medicines as part of their treatment plans.

Ninlaro has an advantage over Velcade, in that it is more convenient

• Ninlaro is an oral medicine so can be taken in capsule form compared to Velcade injection which needs to be given as intravenous injection (IV - into the vein) or subcutaneous (SC - under the skin), so Ninlaro is easier to take.
• Ninlaro's usual dose schedule is once a week, and Velcade is twice a week or weekly.
• Ninlaro is more convenient, as capsules are only taken weekly, and Velcade is an injection form given twice a week or weekly, which requires more clinic appointments and medical interventions.