Novartis Starts Trial for ASA404 in Lung Cancer

Novartis’ nonsmall cell lung cancer drug ASA404 has entered a Phase III trial.

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

ASA404 is one of six oncology compounds the company is developing. The other therapies include RAD001 (renal cell carcinoma and other cancers), SOM230 (Cushing’s disease/refractory carcinoid tumors, acromegaly), LBH589 (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and other cancers), EPO906 (ovarian cancer) and PKC412 (acute myelogenous leukemia and aggressive systemic mastocytosis), according to the company.