LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Hutchmed China announced initial results from the 'FRUTIGA' phase 3 study of fruquintinib combined with paclitaxel in 703 Chinese patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma on Monday.
The AIM-traded firm said the trial was positive, having met one of the primary endpoints of statistically-significant improvement in progression-free survival.

It said the other primary endpoint of overall survival was not statistically significant per the pre-specified statistical plan, although there was an improvement in median overall survival.

Fruquintinib also demonstrated a statistically-significant improvement in secondary endpoints including objective response rate, disease control rate, and improved duration of response.

The company said the safety profile of fruquintinib in FRUTIGA was consistent with previously-reported studies.

"The combination of fruquintinib and paclitaxel demonstrated significant clinical benefits for these patients in controlling this disease," said chief executive and chief scientific officer Dr Weiguo Su.

"Our team will continue to analyse the data and discuss these findings with the NMPA for possible New Drug Application filing."

Hutchmed said it retained all commercial rights to fruquintinib outside of China.

In China, where fruquintinib is marketed under the brand name 'Elunate', the company has partnered with Eli Lilly and Company.

It said it was responsible for the development and execution of all on-the-ground medical detailing, promotion and local and regional marketing, adding that fruquintinib was not approved for use outside China.

At 0922 GMT, shares in Hutchmed China were up 15.71% at 190p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Email this article to a friend

or share it with one of these popular networks:

• DIGG
• FACEBOOK
• STUMBLEUPON
• MIXX
• YAHOO BUZZ
• DELICIOUS
• REDDIT
• NEWSVINE