Pfizer (PFE), Astellas Post Favorable Trial Results for Bladder Cancer Combo

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the best dividend stocks to buy. On August 12, Pfizer and Astellas Pharma reported that their combination therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer had positive outcomes in a Phase 3 trial, specifically for patients who cannot undergo cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

In the EV-303 study, patients were treated with PADCEV and KEYTRUDA around the time of surgery, and their results were compared with those who only had surgery. The trial reached its primary target of event-free survival and, as the company reported, also demonstrated a significant survival benefit.

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The study focused on muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients who were either not eligible for cisplatin or decided against it. Surgery alone is typically the standard care for these patients.

Christof Vulsteke, who led the study, noted that the findings from EV-303 represent the first evidence that a systemic therapy given before and after surgery can increase survival compared to the usual surgery-only approach for this population.

The companies reported that the therapy achieved its secondary target, the pathological complete response rate, while the safety findings matched the expected profiles for each medicine.

Around 30% of bladder cancer cases are muscle-invasive. Nearly half of those patients cannot be treated with cisplatin, so their treatment options are limited. According to the companies, they will present detailed findings at an upcoming medical event and consult with global health agencies on regulatory steps.

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