GlaxoSmithKline publishes positive data from melanoma drug trial

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the publication of new clinical trial data for a promising combination therapy for BRAF V600E/K mutation-positive metastatic melanoma.

Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine have shown that treatment with the combination of Mekinist and Tafinlar can significantly improve overall survival compared to vemurafenib monotherapy in previously untreated patients with this type of cancer, without increased overall toxicity.

The COMBI-v study demonstrated a 31 percent decrease in the risk of death for patients treated using this new combination therapy option, while median progression-free survival was 11.4 months, compared to 7.3 months for the vemurafenib arm.

COMBI-v is the first phase III study to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for a combination of targeted MEK and BRAF therapies compared to a single agent in patients with this form of melanoma.

Dr Rafael Amado, head of oncology research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: “The data published today reinforces our confidence in the efficacy of this combination treatment. We are thankful to the patients, caregivers and investigators for their participation in this study."

Last week, it was announced that the company has applied for European regulatory approval of an additional indication for Revolade as a treatment for severe aplastic anaemia.