Pfizer and Merck KGaA begin lung cancer drug trial

Pfizer and Merck KGaA have commenced a collaborative phase III clinical trial assessing a promising new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The companies have initiated a study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the investigational cancer immunotherapy avelumab, compared with docetaxel, in patients with stage IIIb/IV NSCLC.

Enrolment for the trial has now commenced, with recruiting taking place across approximately 290 sites in more than 30 countries. It will target patients who have experienced disease progression after receiving a prior platinum-containing doublet therapy.

The study is part of the JAVELIN clinical trial programme for avelumab and represents a first step in the new cancer-focused partnership between Pfizer and Merck KGaA, which was announced earlier this month.

Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs and chief medical officer for Pfizer Oncology, said: "This trial marks the first of several registration studies we are planning to initiate this year together, and underscores our commitment to accelerating the development of medications for patients with cancer."