GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from melanoma drug trial

GlaxoSmithKline has announced its positive overall survival results from a phase III trial of a new combination therapy for metastatic melanoma.

The COMBI-d trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of combining dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) as a treatment for patients with BRAF V600E/K mutation-positive metastatic melanoma, compared to dabrafenib alone.

It was found that the new treatment approach was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of death, while no new safety concerns were raised.

Finalised data from the COMBI-d study will be submitted to regulatory authorities for review in the coming months. The trial was conducted as part of the US Food and Drug Administration's accelerated review process.

Patrick Vallance, president of pharmaceutical research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "We are deeply grateful for the support and commitment of the patients, their families and the investigators who took part in this trial."

During 2014, the company generated a yearly revenue total of 23 billion pounds.