Celgene announces Abraxane trial data publication

Celgene has announced the publication of clinical trial data that supports the safety and efficacy of its pancreatic cancer therapy Abraxane.

Results from the phase III MPACT study have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrating the strong performance of Abraxane plus gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Carried out among 861 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients at 151 community and academic centers from 11 countries in North America, Europe and Australia, the study showed that Celgene's drug was able to provide significant survival benefits.

Data from this trial was used to support the company's successful application for US regulatory approval of the product.

Dr Markus Renschler, corporate vice-president and global head of haematology and oncology medical affairs at Celgene, said: "The peer-reviewed publication of the MPACT results in the New England Journal of Medicine further validates the importance of this treatment regimen."

Later this month, the company will be attending the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, where it will share clinical trial insights on its investigational drug apremilast.