AbbVie Closes Research and Development Program for Rova-T

AbbVie has announced the closure of MERU, the Phase III trial that was evaluating Rovalpituzumab Tesirine (Rova-T) as no survival benefit for patients receiving treatment for advanced small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) was found during the interim analysis.

The recommendation to terminate the MERU study came from an independent data monitoring committee, whose recommendation was based on the lack of the survival benefit. Overall safety of Rova-T was found to be consistent with the profile demonstrated in prior studies.

“SCLC continues to be one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers where there is a significant need for transformative therapies. We are disappointed with this outcome for the patients who suffer from this disease,” said Margaret Foley, vice president, global head of solid tumor development, AbbVie, in an Aug. 29, 2019 press release. “We remain committed to researching and developing other therapies with the potential to transform care for patients with SCLC and other malignancies.”

AbbVie has confirmed that it will prioritize other development programs in its oncology pipeline.

Source: AbbVie