Takeda launches phase III trial of Hodgkin lymphoma drug

Takeda has initiated a new phase III clinical study of brentuximab vedotin, a collaboratively developed treatment for post-transplant sufferers of Hodgkin lymphoma.

The pharmaceutical company, in conjunction with its oncology subsidiary Millennium and Seattle Genetics, has commenced the Aethera trial, a placebo-controlled study measuring the drug’s overall survival benefits among 325 patients.

Seattle and Millennium are responsible for the execution of the international multi-centre trial, which is expected to yield top-line results in the second half of 2010.

It is hoped that the results of this trial will support the treatment’s application for approval by healthcare regulators in Europe and the US.

Dr Nancy Simonian, chief medical officer of Millennium, said: “The initiation of this phase III trial is aimed to support the ongoing pivotal trial of brentuximab vedotin and further enables the Takeda Group to move toward its goal of global oncology leadership.”

Earlier this week, Takeda revealed that it will commercialise iron deficiency treatment Feraheme in Europe after agreeing a deal with AMAG Pharmaceuticals.