Pfizer cancels phase III study of lung cancer drug

Pfizer has brought a phase III trial of its cancer drug figitumumab to an early end after it was deemed that the study would not meet its primary endpoint.

The company acted on an independent recommendation that the drug, which is a treatment for non-adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer, was unlikely to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in survival rates compared to an alternative therapy.

Although the firm stated that the outcome was disappointing, it has nevertheless committed to continuing the development of the investigational compound.

Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs for Pfizer’s oncology business unit, said a “thorough evaluation” of data from the trial will now be conducted.

He added: “We will carefully review our extensive clinical database and use this information to refine the figitumumab clinical program with the goal of identifying the right patient population in which to evaluate this compound.”

Earlier this month, results from a clinical trial of Pfizer’s pain relief treatment Lyrica yielded a more positive conclusion, as it was found that it can be effective in treating neuropathic pain resulting from traumatic injury.