Amgen reports positive data from new Neulasta study

Amgen has highlighted encouraging new data from a phase III trial of Neulasta, its US-approved therapy for the prevention of infections among patients with nonmyeloid malignancies.

Results from the Paves study showed that the drug was able to reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia among patients receiving the common chemotherapy regimens Folfox or Folfiri plus bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of locally-advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer.

Febrile neutropenia is characterised by a low white blood cell count accompanied by a fever and is one of the most common side effects of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, one that can place patients at severe risk of infection.

Dr Sean Harper, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: "In addition to providing new data on Neulasta, we believe Paves will provide valuable information to the oncology community on commonly-used chemotherapy regimens."

Earlier this month, the company released its financial results for the 2012 full-year period, during which it experienced double-digit year-on-year increases in its revenues and earnings.