Biotech
Friday, May 31st, 2024 6:42 pm EDT
Key Points
- Pfizer’s drug Lorbrena, designed for advanced lung cancer, has demonstrated promising long-term results in a late-stage trial, potentially establishing it as the new standard treatment for the condition.
- Lorbrena, already approved for treating adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with a mutation in the ALK gene, showed significant benefits, including prolonged progression-free survival and reduced risk of brain metastases.
- The five-year data from the phase three trial, to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, indicates superior efficacy compared to Pfizer’s older drug Xalkori, potentially positioning Lorbrena as a preferred first-line treatment option for ALK-positive lung cancer patients.
Pfizer’s drug for advanced lung cancer, Lorbrena, has shown promising long-term results in a late-stage trial, potentially positioning it as the new standard treatment for the condition. Lorbrena, already approved for treating adults with a specific gene mutation, demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival and reduced the risk of brain metastases. Despite only 5% of non-small cell lung cancer patients having this mutation, the drug could impact 72,000 individuals diagnosed annually. Pfizer aims to establish Lorbrena as a first-line treatment based on new five-year data, which indicates significant benefits compared to its predecessor, Xalkori. The trial revealed that Lorbrena significantly prolonged progression-free survival and lowered the risk of brain metastases by 94%. While common side effects like swelling and weight gain were noted, Lorbrena’s cognitive effects differentiate it from competitors. Despite initial concerns, Pfizer believes physicians can effectively manage these side effects, enhancing patient outcomes. This data, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, underscores Lorbrena’s potential to redefine treatment standards for advanced lung cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/31/pfizer-lung-cancer-drug-shows-promising-long-term-trial-results.html
