Daiichi Sankyo and ArQule complete enrolment for cancer drug trial

Daiichi Sankyo and ArQule have completed enrolment for a new phase III clinical trial of tivantinib, their new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The companies have recruited approximately 1,000 patients for the randomised, double-blind, controlled Marquee study, which will assess the investigational selective c-MET inhibitor in combination with erlotinib among previously treated patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC.

Enrolment for the trial commenced in January 2011 and covers more than 200 clinical sites worldwide, with the primary endpoint being overall survival benefits among the intent-to-treat population.

This new therapy will potentially provide a useful new therapy option for advanced lung cancer patients, who currently have poor long-term survival prospects.

Dr Glenn Gormley, global head of research and development and senior executive officer at Daiichi Sankyo, said: "There is a high unmet need for additional effective treatment options for patients and their families."

Earlier this month, the company announced a new collaboration with Coherus BioSciences to develop new biosimilar products.