Genentech reports clinical trial data from Avastin trial

Genentech has published the results of a phase III clinical study of the efficacy of its stomach cancer drug Avastin, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Results from the Avagast study indicated that the company’s treatment did not have a significant effect on extending the lifespan of patients when compared to chemotherapy alone.

Although this means the trial did not meet its primary endpoint, the firm stated that the drug’s overall development programme will not be adversely affected.

Dr Hal Barron, executive vice president for global development and chief medical officer at Genentech, stated that it remains as committed as ever to developing new treatments for stomach cancer.

He added: “We are disappointed with these results because treatment options for stomach cancer are limited. However, we look forward to sharing the data with the medical community, including secondary endpoints.”

This comes after the Roche subsidiary earlier this month received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its leukaemia drug Rituxan to be used in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide treatments.