Takeda, Seattle Genetics net positive results for Phase 3 study of Adcetris

The Echelon-1 trial -- a randomized, multicenter study -- evaluated the effects on 1,334 patients using Adcetris.
The Echelon-1 trial -- a randomized, multicenter study -- evaluated the effects on 1,334 patients using Adcetris. | File photo

Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Seattle Genetics Inc. recently announced that their Adcetris drug, which was created to treat advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, met its primary endpoint during the Phase 3 Echelon-1 clinical trial.

“We are excited about the positive result which shows a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of modified PFS,” Dr. Dirk Huebner, executive medical director of the Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda Pharmaceutical, said in a statement. “The results of this trial signify an important step forward in the development of ADCETRIS and have the potential to change the treatment approach of frontline advanced Hodgkin lymphoma.”

The Echelon-1 trial, a randomized, multicenter study, evaluated the effects on 1,334 patients using Adcetris as part of a frontline combination chemotherapy regimen. Adcetris is an antibody-drug conjugate.

“The outcome of the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 trial represents a significant milestone for the Hodgkin lymphoma community,” Dr. Clay Siegall, president and CEO of Seattle Genetics, said. “Seattle Genetics’ goal is to establish ADCETRIS as the foundation of care for CD30-expressing lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma. Notably, this is the first clinical trial in frontline advanced Hodgkin lymphoma to show superior efficacy of a regimen that eliminates bleomycin.”