Roche reports positive lung cancer trial data for Alecensa

Roche has announced the results of a new clinical trial showing the benefits associated with its drug Alecensa in the treatment of lung cancer.

Findings from a pre-specified interim analysis of the phase III J-ALEX study have been announced, showing the progression-free survival advantages the drug can provide for patients with advanced or recurrent ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

The head-to-head trial was conducted among 207 Japanese people who had not received prior treatment with an ALK-inhibitor, and showed that Alecensa offered a better performance than an established alternative.

Alecensa was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2015. These new findings will add to the body of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.

Dr Sandra Horning, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Roche, said: "We believe these efficacy and safety results represent a clinically meaningful advancement for people with ALK-positive lung cancer, and we plan to discuss this data with health authorities."

The full findings of the study will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting on June 6th.