Roche reports positive data from new melanoma therapy trial

Roche has announced positive results from a phase III trial that demonstrates the benefits of a combination melanoma therapy utilising cobimetinib plus Zelboraf.

Data from the coBRIM study revealed that people with previously untreated BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma who received the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib plus Zelboraf saw better rates of progression-free survival than those using Zelboraf alone.

The combined therapy reduced the risk of disease worsening or death by half, while its safety profile was consistent with a previous study of the treatment.

Roche has already submitted the coBRIM data to the European Medicines Agency and plans to submit a new drug application to the US Food and Drug Administration later this year.

Dr Sandra Horning, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Roche, said: "The coBRIM results are exciting because they support the potential of the combination as a new treatment option for people with BRAF mutation-positive advanced melanoma."

These findings were presented by Roche at the European Society for Medical Oncology annual congress, which is taking place in Madrid this week.