Sept 17 (Askume) – Daiichi Sankyo (4568.T) and Merck (MRK.N) said on Tuesday their drug panritumab deruxtecan has the potential to extend disease-free survival in some lung cancer patients, a key goal of late-stage research to progress.
The trial, which included 586 patients, tested the drug’s effectiveness as chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have specific genetic mutations that cause abnormal cell growth.
The therapy is one of three antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) included in Merck’s $22 billion joint development and commercialization agreement with Daiichi Sankyo last year.
ADCs are targeted cancer treatments that combine monoclonal antibodies with cytocidal toxins that act like “guided missiles” that target tumor cells while sparing healthy cells.
In the current study, the drug was tested in patients who had previously been treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs, which target mutations in specific proteins in the body that cause uncontrolled cell growth.
TKIs have transformed cancer treatment, turning many cases from a death sentence to a manageable condition.
However, patients may eventually become resistant or experience intolerable side effects, requiring alternative treatments.
The companies said they plan to present data from the trial at an upcoming medical meeting and share it with global regulators to discuss next steps.
The company estimates that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers worldwide, with 14% to 38% of tumors carrying specific genetic mutations.
