Novartis’ canakinumab fails to improve lung cancer survival in Phase III study
pharmafile | March 9, 2021 | News story | Manufacturing and Production | Cancer, Novartis, lung cancer
Novartis has announced that the Phase III CANOPY-2 study evaluating canakinumab, an inhibitor of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), in combination with the chemotherapy agent docetaxel, did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival.
The trial for the drug was conducted among 237 adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose disease progressed while on or after previous platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-(L)1 inhibitor immunotherapy.
Two Phase III CANOPY trials continue, evaluating canakinumab in first-line and adjuvant settings. Novartis and CANOPY-2 investigators will analyse the study data and are expected to submit its findings for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.
Dr John Tsai, Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis, said: “While results from the CANOPY-2 trial are not what we hoped for in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have been treated with other lines of therapy, these data give us valuable insights into IL-1β inhibition.
“Ongoing Phase III studies in non-small cell lung cancer continue, evaluating canakinumab in earlier treatment settings. We sincerely thank the patients and clinical investigators involved in the CANOPY-2 study for their partnership.”
CANOPY-1, a Phase III trial evaluating canakinumab in combination with immunotherapy and chemotherapy, is expected to report final results before the end of the year.
CANOPY-A, another Phase III study investigating canakinumab as an adjuvant therapy, has enrolled more than 950 participants to date. The trial is expected to enrol a total of 1,500 patients.
Darcy Jimenez
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