Pfizer cancer drug axitinib meets target in phase III trial

Pfizer has published a new clinical study of its investigational metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) drug axitinib, which highlighted the treatment's potential benefits.

The phase III Axis 1032 study trialled the drug among a population of previously-treated mRCC patients in order to compare its efficacy to that of a leading alternative.

It was found that Pfizer's therapy was able to deliver a significant extension in progression-free survival time compared to the control drug, thereby meeting the trial's primary efficacy endpoint.

Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs at Pfizer's oncology business unit, said: "These results provide insight into the potential value of axitinib … We will work with health authorities to determine possible filing options for axitinib for use in patients with advanced RCC."

Last week, Pfizer announced the launch of its new Global Centers for Therapeutic Innovation network, which will see it ally with a number of academic medical centres around the world in order to further drug development efforts.