Pfizer touts new Phase III win for Tukysa in front-line breast cancer

US pharma major Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has reported positive Phase III data that could help validate its $43 billion Seagen takeover, with results from the HER2CLIMB-05 study showing its drug Tukysa (tucatinib) improved outcomes in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

The trial tested Tukysa against placebo, both with Roche’s (ROG: SIX) Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Perjeta (pertuzumab), as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. Pfizer said the addition of Tukysa led to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful extension of progression-free survival, while safety findings were consistent with known profiles. Overall survival remains a secondary endpoint.

Pfizer plans to present the data at an upcoming medical congress and begin regulatory talks. “The positive results from HER2CLIMB-05, combined with Tukysa’s known safety profile in later-line settings, underscore its potential to play a meaningful role in front-line maintenance,” said Johanna Bendell, Pfizer’s chief development officer for oncology.