By Tess Stynes
Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) said its Cyramza cancer drug failed to
meet primary goals in a Phase III study of the drug as a secondary
treatment for patients with liver cancer.
The drug maker said overall survival data favored patients who
received Cyramza, also known as ramucirumab, over a placebo.
However, the difference wasn't statistically significant.
While the study didn't "achieve statistical significance for
survival, we are encouraged by the efficacy seen overall,
especially in specific subpopulations," said Richard Gaynor, senior
vice president, product development and medical affairs for Lilly
Oncology.
"We plan to discuss these results with regulatory authorities,"
he added.
Lilly has been focusing on advancing and replenishing its drug
pipeline as key drugs lose market exclusivity.
Cyramza was granted orphan-drug status by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and European regulators.
Lilly gained Cyramza through its 2008 acquisition of ImClone
Systems. The drug is being investigated in clinical trials as a
single agent and in combination with other anti-cancer therapies
for the treatment of multiple tumor types.
Cyramza has U.S. approval for hard-to-treat cases of advanced
gastric cancer.
Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com
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