AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK launch new drug trial

AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK have allied to carry out an innovative adaptive trial of a promising new cancer drug.

The organisations are conducting a unique three-armed study of the investigational therapy AZD0424, with up to 30 patients to be recruited for the trial, initially across all solid tumour types.

Later on, the design of the trial will be adapted and separated into three separate personalised arms, allowing the drug to be tested in different combinations alongside standard or other experimental treatments in specific patient populations.

It is hoped that this new study approach will accelerate development and provide a better chance of identifying the most effective ways to use the compound.

Graham Richmond, AZD0424 project leader at AstraZeneca, said: "By joining forces and combining our assets with external expertise, it means we can bring forward a wider range of experimental compounds than we could do simply using our own resources."

Earlier this month, the pharmaceutical company announced a new centre of excellence agreement with Cellular Dynamics International aimed at facilitating the use of stem cell technology in future drug development.