AstraZeneca has stopped a phase three trial of its experimental cancer drug Volrustomig in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after an independent data monitoring committee recommended ending the study. The drug did not outperform Keytruda when each was combined with chemotherapy, according to trial data.
Susan Galbraith, AstraZeneca's executive vice president, called the decision a disappointment. Analysts had projected Volrustomig could generate roughly $1.3 billion in revenue by 2032. The company will continue studying the drug in cervical cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and mesothelioma.
Separately, AstraZeneca announced its Enhertu treatment showed a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival for non-small cell lung cancer patients. Shares rose as much as 2% in early Monday trading. The halt follows AstraZeneca's decision in July to stop a trial for its heart disease drug Wainua.