Merck KGaA says trial is important step in breast cancer research

Merck KGaA has noted the initiation of a clinical trial is a significant step in breast cancer research.

The company is sponsoring a global phase III study – called Stride – of the therapeutic vaccine Stimuvax (BLP25 liposome vaccine, L-BLP25).

It will be assessed on tumour response, quality of life, safety and overall survival in patients who have hormone-positive, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

More than 900 people in around 180 sites across 30 countries – in areas such as Europe and North America – will be enrolled into the clinical trial.

Dr Oliver Kisker, global clinical development senior vice-president of Merck Serono, said the firm is excited about the examination.

“The initiation of the Stride study is an enormous step forward in clinical breast cancer research and represents our continued commitment to developing Stimuvax within a robust clinical trial program across several cancer types,” he stated.

Earlier this month, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published a final appraisal determination, which recommended Merck’s drug Erbitux (cetuximab) could be used in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for selected patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.