Roche announced that the Phase 3 coBRIM study met its primary endpoint. The study demonstrated that the investigational MEK inhibitor cobimetinib, used in combination with Roche’s BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf, helped patients with previously untreated BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma live significantly longer without their disease worsening (progression-free survival; PFS) compared to Zelboraf alone. Adverse events were consistent with those observed in a previous study of the combination. 

 

“Despite great progress in our understanding and therapy in recent years, advanced melanoma remains a difficult and deadly disease that requires more treatment options,” said Sandra Horning, chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “These encouraging data support the potential combined use of cobimetinib with Zelboraf to block tumor growth longer than Zelboraf alone. We hope this combination therapy will lead to a new option for patients.”

 

Data from this pivotal study will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. Additionally, Roche plans to submit these data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and other health authorities around the world for potential approval.

 

Cobimetinib is designed to selectively block the activity of MEK, one of a series of proteins inside cells that make up a signaling pathway that helps regulate cell division and survival. Cobimetinib binds to MEK while Zelboraf binds to mutant BRAF, another protein on the pathway, to interrupt abnormal signaling that can cause tumors to grow.

 

Date: July 14, 2014

Source: Roche