AstraZeneca (AZN) Hits EFS, OS in VOLGA; Cuts Death Risk 42% in MIBC

AstraZeneca reported that a combination of durvalumab and Amgen's tarlatamab-dlle reduced the risk of death by 58% compared to durvalumab alone in a phase III trial for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The median overall survival was 21.1 months for the combination therapy versus 12.7 months for durvalumab alone.

AstraZeneca's trial showed IMFINZI plus tarlatamab-dlle improved median survival to 21.1 months vs. 12.7 months with IMFINZI alone in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. The combination reduced death risk by 58% and progression risk by 66%. Results were consistent across subgroups, including brain metastases. AstraZeneca aims to redefine treatment standards. Data presented at ESMO Congress 2026.

Amgen's Imdelltra, combined with AstraZeneca's Imfinzi, reduced death risk by 58% in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients, extending median survival to 21.1 months. The trial suggests potential for Imdelltra's earlier use, boosting its commercial prospects with Q2 sales of $288M, up 115% YoY. Amgen aims to position Imdelltra as a backbone therapy for this aggressive cancer.

AstraZeneca's IMFINZI plus neoadjuvant EV showed 78% two-year survival in bladder cancer trial, per ESMO 2026 data. The combo reduced death risk, with manageable safety. FDA granted Priority Review for MIBC treatment based on these results. According to AstraZeneca, this reinforces IMFINZI's potential as a backbone treatment for bladder cancer.

Amgen's Phase 3 DeLLphi-305 study showed that 80% of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) treated with IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab) and durvalumab survived at one year, compared to 53% with durvalumab alone. The combination therapy also reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 66%. Amgen will discuss these results and its oncology portfolio in an upcoming investor event.

AstraZeneca will invest $50M in 30 clinical trials with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, focusing on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. The trials, supported by Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, aim to improve patient outcomes and healthcare sustainability. The first studies are expected to start by year-end, with a focus on earlier disease detection using AI and real-world data.