Datamonitor: ESMO 2009 – new lease of life for Vectibix in colorectal cancer?
Results from two Phase III studies presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2009 show statistically significant benefits via the addition of Vectibix to both first- and second-line chemotherapy for wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer. These positive data could help Vectibix to overcome Erbitux’s first-to-market status and usurp its current position.
The Phase III PRIME study investigated first-line FOLFOX4 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) with or without Vectibix (panitumumab; Amgen) in 1,183 metastatic colorectal cancer patients The addition of Vectibix to standard chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival of 9.6 months in wild-type KRAS patients, versus 8.0 months for chemotherapy alone (p=0.0234).
Datamonitor: Merck & Co – Gardasil shows promise in older women
A Colombian study has revealed that Merck & Co’s cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil has a beneficial effect in women aged 24 to 45. However, following a ruling against the vaccine in June 2008, Merck & Co will first have to present 48 months of continuous study data to the FDA before it can be reconsidered for approval for use within this potentially lucrative market.
(more…)
Genentech/Roche/Biogen Idec: Rituxan receives boost from leukemia data
Positive Phase III results have been released for first- and second-line CLL treatment with Rituxan.
Rituxan is the most successful targeted therapy drug to date, having long been established as a standard in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment. Regulatory approval in chronic lymphocytic leukemia will further drive the drug’s sales potential. According to the report "Stakeholder Opinions: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Is there room to emulate Rituxan’s success?" of independent market analyst Datamonitor sales growth may be hindered in some markets due to Rituxan’s existing off-label use.
(more…)