AstraZeneca and MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, announced a second late-stage trial for a drug aimed at treating COPD, did not meet its goal.
The trial was for Fasenra in patients with moderate to very severe chronic COPD, a breathing disorder often linked to smoking.
The news follows the announcement earlier this month that the first pivotal Phase III trial did not meet its primary endpoint.
Dr. Sean Bohen, executive vice president, global medicines development and chief medical officer, said: “These results are disappointing because uncontrolled COPD patients already on dual or triple inhaled therapy need new treatment options.”
A full evaluation of the data is ongoing, and the results will be submitted for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting. The company does not currently intend to make a regulatory submission.
Fasenra is AstraZeneca’s first respiratory biologic and is currently approved as an add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in the US, EU, Japan and several other countries.
COPD affects an estimated 384 million people worldwide and is predicted to be the third-leading cause of death by 2020.
AstraZeneca has its U.S. headquarters in north Wilmington.
