AstraZeneca reveals positive overall survival results from Imfinzi trial

Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca revealed some positive overall survival results from its Phase III CASPIAN trial with Imfinzi, a human monoclonal antibody.

Aimed at first-line extensive-stage small cell lung cancer - a disease AstraZeneca said had a "significant unmet need" and limited treatment options for patients - a planned interim analysis conducted by an independent data monitoring committee concluded that the firm's trial had met its primary endpoint by showing a "statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement" in overall survival in patients.

AstraZeneca said it would submit the results for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting.

José Baselga, executive vice president of AstraZeneca's oncology research and development wing, said: "The Phase III CASPIAN results offer new hope for patients who are facing the devastating diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, and for whom new medicines are urgently needed.

"This is the first trial offering the flexibility of combining immunotherapy with different platinum-based regimens in small cell lung cancer, expanding treatment options."

As of 0840 BST, AstraZeneca shares had dipped 0.047% to 6,362p.