Merck and Pfizer announce ovarian cancer drug trial

Merck and Pfizer are to carry out an international Phase III study focusing on the use of avelumab for treating patients with ovarian cancer.

The focus of the study will be on whether avelumab – an investigational fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody – can be used to treat patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer, either in monotherapy or in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

The trial, known as JAVELIN Ovarian 200, is the first Phase III study of avelumab and vice-president and head of early development, translational and immuno-oncology at Pfizer Oncology Chris Boshoff said there have been "encouraging" early signs.

"There are limited treatment options for women with ovarian cancer, and the prognosis for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is especially poor," he remarked.

Mr Boshoff said the aim is to develop the positive early results of using avelumab in patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer.