AstraZeneca halts one lung cancer trial after mixed Phase 3 results

AstraZeneca (AZN) reported that TAGRISSO reduced death risk by 47% in early-stage lung cancer patients over eight years, per ADAURA trial data. The drug showed 74% survival vs. 58% for placebo in primary population. AZN shares rose 1.86% premarket. Additionally, AZN's tozorakimab cut COPD exacerbations by 29-34% in Phase III trials, with FDA Priority Review expected Q1 2027.

AstraZeneca and Amgen reported positive Phase III trial results for TEZSPIRE in eosinophilic esophagitis, meeting both primary endpoints. The drug showed sustained efficacy and a consistent safety profile. AstraZeneca also reported mixed lung cancer treatment trial outcomes, with success in two studies and discontinuation of another. Shares were up 0.20% in premarket trading.

AstraZeneca's Phase III trial showed Imfinzi combined with Amgen's tarlatamab extended overall survival in first-line extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. The trial met primary and secondary endpoints, but specific data was not disclosed. AstraZeneca plans to present full findings at a medical meeting and submit them to regulators. Imfinzi is already approved for this indication in several markets.

The European Medicines Agency's CHMP recommended 12 new medicines for approval, including Novo Nordisk's (NVO) Frehemgo for haemophilia A and AstraZeneca's (AZN) Etcamah for cancer. Novo Nordisk also gained approval for its oral Wegovy obesity treatment. Novartis (NVS) received approval for Vijoice, a rare disorder treatment.

AstraZeneca (AZN) announced FDA priority review for efzimfotase alfa, a treatment for rare bone disease HPP. Decision expected by mid-2027. Supported by three phase III studies, with mixed results. AZN shares down 10% YTD. Strensiq, AZN's existing HPP treatment, generated $1.05B in H1 2026. BioMarin and Recursion also developing HPP therapies.

AstraZeneca's COPD drug tozorakimab showed 29-34% reduction in exacerbations in Phase III trials, supporting a U.S. regulatory application under Priority Review. The FDA decision is expected in Q1 2027. The drug was well-tolerated, with injection-site reactions noted. It targets interleukin-33 and is also under review in the EU and China.