Gilead Sciences reports positive data from leukaemia trial

Gilead Sciences has announced new clinical trial data that demonstrates the significant benefits provided by idelalisib, its new therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Results from the phase III trial Study 116 have revealed the drug is capable of delivering reductions in the rate of disease progression and death in CLL patients who were deemed unfit for chemotherapy.

Idelalisib, which was administered in combination with rituximab during the trial, was able to meet its primary progression-free survival endpoint, as well as its secondary endpoints of overall response, lymph node response and overall survival.

Study 116 was stopped ahead of schedule in October 2013 after early results demonstrated the major survival benefits the drug provided.

Dr Richard Furman of the Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital said: "Based upon the results of this study demonstrating significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival, idelalisib represents an important addition to the armamentarium for patients living with this life-threatening disease."

This comes after the firm received European regulatory approval for Vitekta, a tablet-based integrase inhibitor therapy for HIV, earlier this month.