GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from leukaemia drug trial

GlaxoSmithKline and partner Genmab have announced encouraging findings from a leukaemia trial assessing a new combination therapy involving their drug Arzerra.

Data from the 447-patient study showed that Arzerra plus chlorambucil delivered progression-free survival benefits compared to chlorambucil alone among patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

There were also no unexpected safety findings from the trial, which is positive news given that the priority goals when treating CLL are to improve survival rates while minimising side effects.

Study results – including secondary endpoints – will be submitted to the International Workshop on CLL in Cologne this September.

Dr Kathy Rouan, vice-president for biopharmaceutical development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "We are planning regulatory submissions in the EU, US and other regions in the coming months.”

Earlier this week, the firm announced that it will be acquiring the vaccine technology developer Okairos, thus helping to expand its product portfolio.