Amgen undertakes phase III trial for denosumab

Amgen has carried out a phase III trial on the treatment denosumab, in which it was found that the therapy is superior to Zometa (zoledronic acid) in the management of bone metastases.

The study involved a total of 2,049 patients with advanced breast cancer and met both its primary and secondary endpoints, as well as demonstrating superior efficacy in comparison to Zometa.

Dr Roger Perlmutter, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said that the “important” study showed that denosumab has the capacity to reduce or delay the complications associated with bone metastases in breast cancer patients better than the current level of care on offer.

“We look forward to reviewing the results from a second phase III study of denosumab effects in advanced cancer patients later this year,” he added.

At the end of last month, Amgen announced its intention to take part in a meeting of the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee in August.