AstraZeneca's Tagrisso (osimertinib) has received a positive recommendation from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. These patients must not have progressed during or after platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.
The CHMP's positive opinion is based on the results of the LAURA Phase III trial, a pivotal study demonstrating a significant extension in median progression-free survival (PFS) with Tagrisso. The trial revealed an 84% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to placebo. Patients treated with Tagrisso experienced a median PFS of 39.1 months, compared to 5.6 months for those on placebo.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
The LAURA trial's data underscored the substantial clinical benefit of Tagrisso in this patient population. While overall survival (OS) results are not yet mature and are continuing to be evaluated, the PFS data was compelling enough for the CHMP to issue its positive opinion. The safety profile of Tagrisso in the LAURA trial was consistent with its established profile, with no new safety concerns identified.
Disease Burden and Unmet Need
In Europe, lung cancer diagnoses exceed 450,000 annually, with 10-15% of NSCLC patients presenting with EGFR mutations. This regulatory milestone represents a significant advancement for nearly one in five NSCLC patients with unresectable tumors, addressing a critical unmet need in this patient population.
Tagrisso's Expanding Global Footprint
Tagrisso is already approved in over 100 countries for various stages of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. AstraZeneca continues to explore its potential across all stages of this cancer type. The drug's approval for this indication in the EU follows a recent approval in the United States and is under review in other countries, including China and Japan.
AstraZeneca's Financial Performance
AstraZeneca has reported substantial growth in its financial performance, with a 21% increase in revenue and a 27% rise in core earnings per share (EPS) to $2.08 in the third quarter of 2024. This strong performance has led the company to upgrade its full-year guidance, now forecasting high teens percentage growth in both total revenue and core EPS. In addition, AstraZeneca has announced a significant investment of $3.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research and development (R&D).
InvestingPro Insights
AstraZeneca's recent positive recommendation for Tagrisso aligns with its strong position in the pharmaceutical industry. According to InvestingPro data, the company boasts a substantial market capitalization of $193.72 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the market. The company's revenue growth of 13.81% over the last twelve months and 18.04% in the most recent quarter underscores its ability to expand its product portfolio and market reach.
