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(Alliance News) - AstraZeneca PLC on Wednesday said first data from its phase 3 Elevate-TN trial of Calquence in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia shows improved progression-free survival.
The FTSE 100-listed drug major will present its data "at the 2019 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition" from December 7 to 10.
This will be the first presentation of data from Elevate-TN looking at a combination of Calquence and obinutuzumab and Calquence as a monotherapy in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The study assesses Calquence against "obinutuzumab combined with chlorambucil chemotherapy".
Dave Fredrickson, executive vice president of Astra's Oncology unit, said: "AstraZeneca continues to demonstrate its strength in haematology, presenting new research at ASH that spans targeted therapies across eight blood cancers. This year we are especially excited to present the Elevate-TN data demonstrating the impressive efficacy and tolerability of Calquence in 1st-line chronic lymphocytic leukaemia."
Earlier, Astra separately announced three large-scale initiatives to build on its commitment to China and advance global research and development for innovative new medicines.
The FTSE 100-listed drugmaker said it will create a new global research & development centre and an artificial intelligence innovation centre, both in Shanghai, and a "first-of-its-kind" healthcare industrial fund with China International Capital Corp Ltd.
The fund's target size is USD1 billion, the company said. It will support domestic companies and partners, and international companies looking to establish a presence in China.
AstraZeneca explained that the global research & development centre will carry out the work for potential new innovative medicines. Its primary focus will be on diseases that are prevalent in China as well as other parts of Asia.
Meanwhile, the new artificial intelligence innovation centre will be established to capitalise on the latest digital technology in research & development, manufacturing, operations and commercialisation in order to accelerate the delivery of medicines to patients in China and globally.
The centre will focus on collaboration with technology companies and local start-ups to develop innovative solutions for patients, AstraZeneca said.
"China is rapidly emerging as a global scientific powerhouse, which is why we have taken this exciting decision to follow the science, by expanding our research & development presence and by working with the investment community," said Astra Chief Executive Pascal Soriot.
Astra shares were trading 0.5% lower at 7,328.00 pence in London on Wednesday afternoon.
By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com and Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com
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