GSK applies for Zunrisa/Rezonic approval

Phase III results for GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK’s) Zunrisa/Rezonic (casopitant) have been announced alongside the company’s application for drug approval, it says.

The drug is aimed at reducing nausea and vomiting in patients who have received chemotherapy; GSK described the results as “meaningful”.

Administered alongside Zofran (ondansetron HCI) and dexamethasone, in a single dose, the novel, investigational NK-1 receptor antagonist promoted a reduction in the number of patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

A common side effect of chemotherapy, CINV is potentially serious, feared and for patients and their families, GSK said.

Study investigator Steven M Grunberg of the Vermont Cancer Centre said: “Just one or two episodes of CINV can have a significant impact on quality of life and may cause patients to delay or refuse therapy.”

He said despite current approved treatments CINV is “still a large burden” on patients and their families.

GSK focuses on the three “priority” diseases identified by the World Health Organisation, none of which is cancer: HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.