GlaxoSmithKline reports positive ovarian cancer data for Votrient

GlaxoSmithKline has announced clinical data showing how its drug Votrient can deliver positive benefits for advanced ovarian cancer patients.

The phase III trial was supported by Germany's Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie (AGO) and assessed Votrient as a maintenance therapy in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer following front-line chemotherapy.

It found that GlaxoSmithKline's drug delivered a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival rates compared to placebo, thus meeting the primary objective of the trial.

Votrient has not been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer anywhere in the world, but GlaxoSmithKline plans to submit regulatory applications for this indication later this year.

Dr Rafael Amado, head of oncology research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, so we were excited to collaborate with AGO and other cooperative groups in the search for new treatments."

This comes after the firm reported positive data from a study of a new Arzerra-based combination therapy for leukaemia last week.