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AstraZeneca suffers another setback as it halts volrustomig lung cancer trial
The company said the drug was unlikely to improve survival over existing treatment, while other late-stage trials of volrustomig will continue.
On Monday, AstraZeneca discontinued a late-stage trial for volrustomig plus chemotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after an Independent Data Monitoring Committee found it unlikely to meet primary survival endpoints.
Designed as a dual checkpoint inhibitor, volrustomig targets PD-1 and CTLA-4 pathways to help immune systems attack tumors, addressing a disease that accounts for nearly 23% of cancer fatalities.
AstraZeneca confirmed the drug's safety profile remained consistent with known medicines. "While we are disappointed, we will learn from this trial," said Susan Galbraith, executive vice president for oncology R&D, noting trials for other cancers will continue.
Shares in AstraZeneca lifted 2% on Monday as the company reported positive readouts for its Tagrisso-Orpathys combination and Enhertu, offsetting recent setbacks including Wainua and Ultomiris.
The company maintains its target of $80 billion in annual revenue by 2030, expressing confidence in its long-term prospects while counting on up to 20 new drug launches to reach this significant financial goal.
An immunotherapy combination of AstraZeneca is expected to miss key goals in a large study. At the same time, the Group reports progress on other lung cancer projects.