Pfizer ceases axitinib phase III trial

Pfizer has ceased its phase III trial of axitinib, it has emerged.

The study of the product – used as a treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer – followed interim analysis by the Data Safety Monitoring Board, which said it found no evidence of improvement in survival at the primary endpoint of the drug.

The phase III trial initially compared axitinib and gemcitabine to gemcitabine on its own.

Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs at Pfizer’s oncology business unit, said the results of the tests were “disappointing”, as a phase II study showed a trend towards prolonged survival.

He added: “However, we remain steadfastly committed to continued investigation of axitinib in renal cell carcinoma, where it is currently in phase III for second-line treatment.”

In December, results of an observational study revealed patients taking Pfizer’s Lipitor therapy had a “significantly reduced risk” of cardiovascular events, compared to those taking simvastatin.