Celgene reports positive phase III data for pancreatic cancer therapy

Celgene has announced positive results of a phase III clinical trial assessing a new combination of Abraxane plus gemcitabine among pancreatic cancer sufferers.

The MPACT trial evaluated this combination therapy among treatment-naive patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, finding that it offered a statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared to gemcitabine alone.

Patients receiving the Abraxane-based therapy experienced a 59 percent improvement in one-year survival rates and a 50 percent better chance of surviving after two years, while progression-free survival and time to treatment failure rates were also improved.

Dr Jean-Pierre Bizzari, executive vice-president and global head of haematology and oncology clinical research at Celgene, said: "We are excited by the results of the Abraxane MPACT study and the potential this treatment combination may bring to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer."

Earlier this month, the company also reported positive data from a pair of phase III trials of apremilast, demonstrating the drug's benefits in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.