Daiichi Sankyo to discontinue HER3-Lung study

Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd. this week announced the end of the HER3-Lung study as the first part of the study did not meet the criteria established in order to continue to the second phase.

The independent monitoring committee (DMC) recommended that the study should end. It was evaluating the HER3 inhibitor patritumab in combination with erlotinib as a treatment for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

“We are disappointed that this study did not confirm the hypothesis that effective HER3 inhibition in combination with erlotinib would provide clinically relevant tumor growth control in subjects with advanced non-small cell lung cancer,” Daiichi Sankyo EVP and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Dr. Antoine Yver said. “Nevertheless, rigorously designed experiments such as Part A of this study in this particular case is at the core of what we do: transform innovative science into value for patients suffering from cancer. The very nature of experiments is to resolve uncertainty and some are bound to not confirm the hypothesis tested."

While the HERS3-Lung study will not continue to Part B, other studies evaluating patritumab in previously untreated head and neck cancers that have recurred or metastasized are ongoing. Combining HER3 inhibitors, such as patritumab, with other HER inhibitors remains a promising approach in cancer treatment.

"This particular result does not directly affect the science of patritumab in other settings," Yver said. "The phase 2 study evaluating patritumab in head and neck cancer, in combination with cetuximab and a platinum agent, remains unchanged and ongoing. At Daiichi Sankyo we will continue to apply rigorous science to create new hope for patients with cancer.”