Pfizer-Acquired Seagen's Adcetris Combo Therapy Extends Overall Survival Versus Placebo In Patients With Most Common Type Of Lymphoma

Tuesday, Pfizer Inc PFE announced that a Phase 3 study of the antibody-drug conjugate Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) combined with lenalidomide and rituximab for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) compared to lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo. 

Positive outcomes were also observed in key secondary endpoints, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR).

Also Read: Pfizer Shifts Strategic Focus, Pivoting From COVID To Cancer Drugs To Recover Market Value.

The safety and tolerability of Adcetris in the ECHELON-3 trial were consistent with what has been previously presented for patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL treated with ADCETRIS in clinical trials. 

“This is the third Phase 3 study in a type of lymphoma to demonstrate an overall survival benefit for an ADCETRIS combination,” said Roger Dansey, Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer. “The results are particularly encouraging because the study evaluated heavily pre-treated patients, including some who received prior CAR-T therapy,” Dansey added.

Full data will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.

Pfizer added Adcetris via its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen Inc.

DLBCL is the most common type of lymphoma and is a fast-growing, aggressive blood cancer. Approximately 40% of patients with DLBCL do not respond to initial treatment or develop relapsed disease after first-line treatment.

Adcetris is a standard of care for patients with certain lymphomas and is approved for seven indications in the U.S., with more than 55,000 patients treated since its first U.S. approval in 2011. 

More than 140,000 patients have been treated with Adcetris globally. 

Price Action: PFE shares are down 0.09% at $28.34 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.

Photo via Shutterstock