Novartis Starts Trial for ASA404 in Lung Cancer

Novartis’ nonsmall cell lung cancer drug ASA404, which is designed to selectively reduce blood supply to tumors, has entered a Phase III trial.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter ATTRACT-1 study will evaluate ASA404 in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin as a first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer.

In a Phase II trial, ASA404 demonstrated a median overall survival of more than five months compared with chemotherapy alone, according to the company.

Novartis signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Antisoma for worldwide rights to the drug a year ago.