Sanofi-Aventis/Regeneron's aflibercept fails in Ph III NSCLC study

Results from the Phase III VITAL trial evaluating the investigational agent aflibercept (VEGF Trap) for the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) did not meet the pre-specified primary endpoint of improvement in overall survival compared with a regimen of docetaxel plus placebo (HR=1.01, CI: 0.868 to 1.174), the drug’s developer’s - French major Sanofi-Aventis (Euronext: SAN) and USA-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: REGN) - announced last week.

Regeneron, whose stock has risen more than 50% in the past year, saw its share price drop 5.9% to $37 on the news. Sanofi-Aventis edged 0.8% higher to 50.67 euros.

News adds to pancreatic cancer disappointment