AstraZeneca begins phase III trial of new lung cancer drug

AstraZeneca has commenced a phase III clinical trial of MEDI4736, an innovative immunotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The Pacific trial is the first study in a wider NSCLC programme for this compound, which is the first MedImmune oncology immunotherapy targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway.

It aims to evaluate overall and progression-free survival rates associated with MEDI4736 compared to placebo in patients with locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC, following completion of treatment with chemoradiotherapy and no evidence of tumour progression.

A total of 702 patients are anticipated to be randomised into the phase III study across more than 100 sites globally. It has commenced following the encouraging progress shown by the drug in earlier-stage trials.

Briggs Morrison, executive vice-president for global medicines development and chief medical officer at AstraZeneca, said: "We believe MEDI4736, and immunotherapies more broadly, hold the potential to shape the future of cancer treatment."

Currently, the company is being targeted by Pfizer as a potential takeover target. However, AstraZeneca's board has thus far rebuffed the US firm's offers.