Roche commences phase III clinical study of subcutaneous MabThera

Roche has begun a phase III trial of a subcutaneous MabThera treatment that utilises Enhanze technology from Halozyme.

The first patient has been enrolled in the study, which will aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new treatment option in combating non- Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

It represents the second Roche cancer medicine to enter a phase III registration study as part of Halozyme and Roche's ongoing collaboration, following the commencement of a recent study of subcutaneous Herceptin.

The new MabThera specification is expected to provide cost-reduction benefits and improved efficiency in a hospital setting.

Dr Gregory Frost, Halozyme's president and chief executive officer, said: "MabThera is the standard of care for several serious forms of blood cancer and we expect this subcutaneous alternative could provide a compelling administration option."

Earlier this week, Roche and Genentech announced positive clinical trial data for Lucentis, a treatment for diabetic macular edema that is marketed in Europe by Novartis.