GlaxoSmithKline commences phase III trials for melanoma treatment

GlaxoSmithKline has commenced its phase III clinical trial programme for a new combination treatment for metastatic melanoma patients.

The company will carry out two phase III studies evaluating the combination of its BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib among patients with BRAF mutation-positive metastatic cutaneous melanoma.

In the Combi-d trial, the efficacy of the new therapy regimen will be compared to dabrafenib on its own, while Combi-v will compare its performance to the approved BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib.

GlaxoSmithKline believes that its combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors may delay the time taken for the disease to become resistant to treatment.

Dr Rafael Amado, head of oncology research and development for GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Guided by promising results from an early phase study, we are launching this phase III programme and will continue discussions with regulators about the future regulatory pathway for the combination."

Earlier this month, the company received a recommendation from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for approval of Votrient as a treatment for soft tissue sarcoma.