Eli Lilly’s Phase 3 study (MONARCH 3) evaluated abemaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 and CDK6 inhibitor, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (letrozole or anastrozole) compared to treatment with an aromatase inhibitor alone in women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer trial, has met its primary endpoint of demonstrating statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS).
Detailed efficacy and safety results will be presented at a medical meeting in the second half of the year, the company said in its press release.
The global Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced (locoregionally recurrent or metastatic) breast cancer who have had no prior systemic treatment for advanced disease, the company said.
Following this MONARCH 3 interim analysis, Lilly said that intends to begin global submissions of these results in the third quarter of 2017. In addition, Lilly intends to initiate MONARCH 1 and MONARCH 2 submissions beginning in the second quarter of 2017.
Other MONARCH trials currently underway include: monarcHER, which is evaluating abemaciclib plus trastuzumab (with or without fulvestrant) in women with HR+, HER2+ locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, and MONARCH plus, a Phase 3 study of abemaciclib in combination with endocrine therapies to support registration in China. In addition, Lilly has an ongoing Phase 3 trial evaluating abemaciclib in lung cancer. Lilly is also evaluating abemaciclib in patients with brain metastases, as well as in patients with pancreatic cancer.