Merck and Pfizer is set to present six six abstracts on studies evaluating the potential role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition and the safety and efficacy of the investigational cancer immunotherapy avelumab at an upcoming event in Austria.

 

The European Cancer Congress 2015  will run from September 25 to 29 at Vienna.

 

The new data will be presented in urothelial, mesothelioma and gastric/gastroesophageal cancers, said a statement.

 

Additional NSCLC and ovarian cancer data from Phase Ib trials build on those previously presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).1-10, it said.

 

As the promise of immuno-oncology continues to grow, these new data help to further the understanding of the potential role of avelumab for patients suffering from cancers with high unmet need. 

 

Despite continued progress in bringing new treatments to patients, there remains a significant unmet need across many types of cancer, said the statement.

 

Dr Luciano Rossetti, head of Global Research and Development at Merck's biopharmaceutical business Merck Serono, said: “Our clinical programme for avelumab continues to accelerate, and we remain on-target to initiate up to six pivotal trials this year.

 

“As we investigate avelumab across a broad range of tumor types, Merck and Pfizer are working together diligently to analyze and present data at important congresses like ECC, to share the latest knowledge and understanding of this immune-checkpoint inhibitor with the medical community.” 

 

Currently, more than 1,000 cancer patients have been treated with avelumab in the Phase I/Ib clinical program (JAVELIN Solid Tumor), and more than 15 tumor types are under investigation, the statement said.

 

Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, and chief medical officer, Pfizer Oncology, said: “This is an exciting time for the Merck–Pfizer alliance. Working together, we have made substantial progress in advancing the clinical evaluation of avelumab as both a single agent and as part of combination therapy in patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

 

“We believe that the talent, resources, pipeline products, and commitment that each partner brings to this collaboration position us well to become potential leaders in the field of immuno-oncology.” - TradeArabia News Service