Lilly's Alimta Increases Disease-Free Periods for Lung Cancer Patients

A phase-III study conducted by Eli Lilly and Co has found that the company's lung cancer drug, Alimta increased the progression free survival period among patients who suffered from advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.

The "Paramount" study involved more than 930 patients whose initial treatment involved four courses of Alimta and cisplatin.

The researchers then selected patients among whom the disease did not worsen and divided them into separate groups, each receiving either a daily dose of Alimta or a placebo.

The researchers found that those who were on Alimta did not exhibit any disease progression for 3.9 months compared to 2.6 months among those who were on placebo.

The company said that it will be approaching the Food and Drug Administration in the United States to approve Alimta as maintenance treatment among those who had been given the drug as part of their initial treatment.

Source: Medindia