Pfizer stops Ph III trial of single-agent tremelimumab in advanced melanoma

World drug giant Pfizer has discontinued a Phase III clinical trial (A3671009), assessing single-agent tremelimumab (CP-675,206) in patients with advanced melanoma, after the review of interim data showed that the study would not demonstrate superiority to standard chemotherapy. Pfizer has communicated with worldwide regulatory authorities and investigators regarding the trial termination. Investigators will work with their patients to determine if they are benefiting from treatment and therefore should continue with tremelimumab. The US firm encouraged patients to contact their physician with their questions. "We continue to focus on additional studies involving tremelimumab alone and in combination with other therapies which are currently ongoing in patients with several types of cancer," said Charles Baum, vice president at Pfizer Global R&D. "We will continue to assess the study data to understand the clinical benefit seen in some patients who received tremelimumab," he added.