What's Happening?
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have reported positive results from their DESTINY-Breast05 study, which evaluated Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) in early breast cancer. The study demonstrated a significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival compared to Roche's Kadcyla in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer with residual disease in the lymph nodes. Enhertu has already been successful in advanced breast cancer and gastric cancer, generating $2.29 billion in revenue in the first half of the year. The companies plan to expand Enhertu's label to include neoadjuvant/post-neoadjuvant treatment, potentially increasing its market presence.
Why It's Important?
The success of Enhertu in early breast cancer could significantly impact treatment options for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, offering a potentially more effective alternative to existing therapies. This development may lead to improved long-term outcomes and increased chances of cure for patients. The expansion of Enhertu's use in early-stage cancer could also drive substantial revenue growth for AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, reinforcing their positions in the oncology market.
What's Next?
Data from the DESTINY-Breast05 study will be presented at the ESMO cancer congress in Berlin on October 18. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are expected to file for label expansion to include neoadjuvant/post-neoadjuvant treatment. The companies aim to achieve sustained long-term outcomes for patients, increasing the opportunity for cure.
