Amgen reports positive interim data from melanoma drug trial

Amgen has reported encouraging interim overall survival results from a study of its new oncology agent talimogene laherparepvec.

Data from the pivotal phase III trial shows that the drug can improve survival rates among patients with unresected stage IIIB, IIIC or IV melanoma, compared to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor therapy.

Median survival rates were 23.3 months in the talimogene laherparepvec arm of the study, compared to 19 months in the control group, suggesting this new drug could be a useful new therapy for an underserved patient population.

These latest findings complement the durable response data reported by Amgen earlier this year.

Dr Sean Harper, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: "We look forward to the mature overall survival data expected in the first half of next year."

Last month, the company bolstered its capabilities in the field of cancer research and drug development by completing a multi-billion-dollar takeover of Onyx Pharmaceuticals.