Health and Healthcare

Positive Late-Stage Trial Not Enough to Move the Needle for Pfizer

Ridofranz / Thinkstock

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) shares slipped slightly on Monday morning after the firm announced results from its late-stage trial of breast cancer. Ultimately the results were positive, but not exactly what the study was looking for.

The firm announced that its overall survival (OS) results from the Phase 3 PALOMA-3 trial demonstrated a positive trend in the hazard ratio favoring the Ibrance (palbociclib) combination with fulvestrant, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Overall survival is a secondary endpoint of the PALOMA-3 trial and, as such, the trial design was not optimized to detect a statistically significant difference in OS.

The study met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) at interim analysis and results. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS for Ibrance plus fulvestrant. Ibrance in combination with fulvestrant has been approved in more than 80 countries around the world based on the PFS demonstrated in PALOMA-3.

In a nutshell, the results from this overall survival analysis support the strong progression-free survival results from PALOMA-3 and, while not statistically significant, are encouraging for physicians and patients.

Mace Rothenberg, M.D., chief development officer, Oncology, Pfizer Global Product Development, commented:

While the difference in overall survival narrowly missed the threshold for statistical significance – a high bar for any trial in this patient population – it is similar, in absolute terms, to the improvement in median progression-free survival previously demonstrated in this trial.1 We are encouraged by these results, which build on the compelling clinical benefit delivered by IBRANCE. IBRANCE in combination with endocrine therapy has transformed the treatment landscape for patients with HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

Shares of Pfizer closed Friday at $36.51, with a consensus analyst price target of $39.86 and a 52-week range of $32.32 to $39.43. Following the announcement, the stock was down 0.3% at $36.40 in early trading indications Monday.

100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool

The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.

Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.

A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.

Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.