Shares in Chinese firm Zai Lab Ltd (NASDAQ: ZLAB, HKG: 9688) and its partner Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) surged yesterday after the companies revealed positive results from the Phase III LUNAR study. The study assessed the efficacy of the TTFields electrical field medical device in combination with immunotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Novocure shares closed up 68.45%, while Zai’s US shares jumped 41.8% on the news.
Study Details and Results
The LUNAR study is a pivotal, open-label, randomized trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TTFields in combination with standard therapy for stage 4 NSCLC that has progressed during or after chemotherapy. The data showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in overall survival (OS) for patients treated with TTFields combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), compared to those treated with ICIs alone. Additionally, patients receiving TTFields combined with docetaxel demonstrated a positive trend in OS compared to those receiving docetaxel alone.
Detailed results of the LUNAR study will be presented at a future medical meeting. Novocure plans to use the data to support regulatory filings for approval in the US and EU in the second half of 2023.
Partnership and Market Approvals
Zai Lab acquired development rights for the TTFields technology in Greater China from Jersey (UK)-based Novocure in a deal signed in September 2018. The two companies have collaborated closely on the development of the product. The first market approval in China was granted in May 2020 for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), marking the first new GBM therapy approved in China in 15 years. TTFields is also approved in the US for both GBM and malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Future Outlook
The positive results from the LUNAR study highlight the potential of TTFields to improve outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC. With plans to seek regulatory approval in major markets, Zai Lab and Novocure are poised to expand the availability of this innovative treatment. The ongoing collaboration between the two companies underscores their commitment to advancing cancer therapies and improving patient care.-Fineline Info & Tech
