Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) has reported positive overall survival results from a phase III trial of its Adcetris regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), regardless of CD30 expression.
The ECHELON-3 study, which assessed Adcetris in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab, showed a significant improvement in overall survival compared to the standard lenalidomide and rituximab plus placebo regimen. Additionally, secondary endpoints such as progression-free survival and overall response rate also showed promising outcomes, irrespective of CD30 expression.
Based on the ECHELON-3 data, Pfizer intends to pursue regulatory approval from the FDA.
Over the past year, Pfizer’s stock has declined by 29.7% while the industry has seen an increase of 33.2%.
Adcetris is currently approved for seven indications for various types of lymphoma, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
DLBCL, the most common form of lymphoma, presents significant challenges due to its rapid growth and resistance to traditional therapies. About 40% of patients either do not respond to initial treatment or experience relapse after the first line of therapy. If approved by the FDA, DLBCL will become the eighth approved indication for Adcetris.
Pfizer acquired Adcetris as part of its purchase of Seagen in December 2023. This acquisition has bolstered Pfizer’s cancer drug portfolio by adding four antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) — Adcetris, Padcev, Tukysa, and Tivdak. ADCs are considered a groundbreaking innovation in the pharmaceutical industry as they enhance cancer treatment by utilizing antibodies’ targeting capabilities to deliver cytotoxic drugs to tumors.
Featured Image: Megapixl
Author Stephanie Bédard-Châteauneuf 
