Ph III Bavencio trial in ovarian cancer halted following another flunk

Data from a planned interim analysis of the Phase III JAVELIN Ovarian 100 study of Bavencio (avelumab) did not support the study’s initial hypothesis, and therefore the developers made the decision to terminate the trial in alignment with the independent Data Monitoring Committee.

Bavencio is being developed by Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) – which operates its biopharmaceutical business as EMD Serono in the US and Canada – under an alliance with US pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). This was the first study to test an immunotherapy in this indication, given the significant unmet need in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Four out of five women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages. Most women with advanced ovarian cancer ultimately die within five years due to refractory, resistant or recurrent disease.

Merck KGaA shares closed down 0.26% on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on Friday at 93.36 euros, while Pfizer’s shares rose about 1% to $42.34.