GlaxoSmithKline's lapatinib hailed as latest 'wonder drug'

GlaxoSmithKline has released new data on a number of promising new drugs in its oncology pipeline - including breast cancer treatment lapatinib, which has already been dubbed a 'wonder drug' by one British newspaper.

News of the drug's success in treating breast cancer was leaked to the Daily Mail, which hailed the drug as the latest breakthrough, maintaining this year's particularly high level of media interest in new treatments.

The press has been full of stories proclaiming the effectiveness of new breast cancer treatments from AstraZeneca's Arimidex to Roche's Herceptin and the rows over access to it.

GSK's new oral once-daily treatment, to be marketed as Tykerb, looks set for similar plaudits following impressive trial data presented at the company's oncology seminar.

Phase II data showed lapatinib to be effective in treating up to a third of breast cancer patients, especially HER-2 positive women who have developed resistance to Roche's Herceptin.

The phase II trial involved 40 patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, with 33% of patients experiencing tumour reductions.  

GSK expects to file the treatment with US regulators under its fast-track scheme by the first half of 2007 at the latest, following phase III trials in first and second line settings.

Lapatinib works by inhibiting two receptors, which are associated with cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth.

Related articles:

NICE unveils fast track plans 

Tuesday , November 08, 2005