Dive Brief:
- Roche will develop a plasma-based diagnostic test to support AZD9291, which is being developed by AstraZeneca for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- One major goal of developing such a companion test is optimizing AZD9291's clinical development.
- The test will help late-stage lung cancer patients avoid surgery. NSCLC afflicts 80% to 85% of all lung cancer patients.
Dive Insight:
The diagnostic product being developed by Roche will identify epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutations in the plasma of patients with NSCLC. This test can also be used to look for a specific mutation in patients who have developed resistance to first generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In turn, that information can be used to determine the next steps for treatment.
The advantage for patients? Instead of undergoing surgery to collect tissue for analysis, they can take a simple blood test. Co-development of AZD9291 with a companion diagnostic will substantially increase its therapeutic value as a treatment option for refractory NSCLC.