Gilead Sciences reports positive data from combination leukaemia drug trial

Gilead Sciences has announced data demonstrating the effectiveness of its new combination therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Following a recommendation by an independent data monitoring committee, the phase III trial evaluating Zydelig plus standard therapy in previously-treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients – dubbed Study 115 – will be unblinded early.

A predefined interim analysis indicated a statistically significant benefit in efficacy in terms of progression-free and overall survival in patients receiving Zydelig plus bendamustine and rituximab, compared to those receiving bendamustine and rituximab alone.

Detailed results from this study will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), which will be taking place in Orlando next month.

Dr Norbert Bischofberger, Gilead's executive vice-president for research and development and chief scientific officer, said: "We look forward to sharing the detailed scientific data with the haematology community at the upcoming ASH meeting."

This comes after the firm recently announced phase III clinical data showing the efficacy of its new combination HIV therapy Genvoya.