Novartis Investigational Immuno-oncology Drug Fails Skin Cancer Trial

Swiss drug maker Novartis announced over the weeknd that the company’s investigational spartalizumab immuno-oncology drug mixed with the approved medicines Tafinlar and Mekinist had failed in a late-stage trial for a type of advanced skin cancer.

The company said the drug did not improve progression-free survival in previously untreated patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive cutaneous melanoma, compared to Tafinlar + Mekinist alone.

Novartis said it will continue the development of spartalizumab against other kind of tumors.

“While the COMBI-i trial did not reach its primary endpoint, the study’s findings give us valuable insights into the role the investigational immunotherapy spartalizumab may play in future cancer therapy combinations and underscore the previously established importance of Tafinlar + Mekinist for these patients,” said John Tsai, MD, Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis.

He added, “Novartis remains committed to melanoma patients through ongoing research, and we continue to deliver the approved combination therapy Tafinlar + Mekinist to patients around the world. We extend our gratitude to the patients and investigators who participated in the COMBI-i study. Their partnership has expanded our understanding of spartalizumab and its potential role in future cancer treatments.”

According to the press release, Novartis and the COMBI-i study investigators will continue to review the data to learn more from the results, which are expected to be submitted for presentation at a future medical meeting.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) and have not been compensated for this article.