AstraZeneca Reports Mixed Lung Cancer Trial Outcomes From Three Pivotal Studies - AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN)

AstraZeneca Plc (NYSE: AZN ) on Monday reported a mix of clinical trial outcomes for its lung cancer treatments , achieving notable successes in two late-stage trials while discontinuing a third study due to missed primary endpoints.

Favorable Results For Targeted Therapies

In the SAFFRON Phase 3 study, the combination of Tagrisso and Orpathys delivered a clinically meaningful and statistically significant extension in both overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) against standard platinum-based chemotherapy.

This trial focused on patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who experienced disease progression after earlier Tagrisso therapy.

According to the data, these patients exhibited high MET amplification or overexpression, a frequent resistance mechanism associated with a poor prognosis .

Read Next Media
AstraZeneca-Bristol Myers Merger Buzz Puts Patent Expiration and Deal Economics in Focus

AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers reportedly discuss a $400 billion merger as analyst assesses valuation, patent risks and regulatory hurdles.

3 min read Read this article

The safety profile remained consistent with prior studies, and findings will be shared with global regulatory bodies.

Latest Private Market Opportunities Join 400,000+ Investors

Orpathys is co-developed by AstraZeneca and HUTCHMED Ltd (NASDAQ: HCM ).

The DESTINY-Lung04 Phase 3 trial yielded encouraging results for Enhertu as a primary treatment for unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic HER2-mutant non-squamous NSCLC.

The engineered antibody-drug conjugate, jointly developed with Daiichi Sankyo, demonstrated substantial PFS improvements over the global standard of care.

Discontinuation of eVOLVE-Lung02 Study

On Monday, AstraZeneca said it is halting the eVOLVE-Lung02 Phase 3 trial.

The study assessed volrustomig combined with chemotherapy as an initial therapy for metastatic NSCLC patients exhibiting PD-L1 expression below 50%.

Following a scheduled review, the Independent Data Monitoring Committee determined the combination would likely fall short of its dual primary endpoints in the PD-L1-negative patient cohort.

Consequently, the trial is ending, though no unexpected safety signals emerged.

Meanwhile, other Phase 3 volrustomig evaluations targeting mesothelioma, cervical cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will proceed as scheduled.

AZN Stock Price Activity: AstraZeneca shares were up 0.20% at $156.76 during premarket trading on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data .

Read Next Media
Why Sandisk Bulls Think the Old Memory Boom-And-Bust Playbook Is Dead

Sandisk (SNDK) stock jumps nearly 6% premarket as analysts highlight multi-year AI demand, expanding margins, and major buyback plans.

4 min read Read this article

Photo by Piotr Swat via Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here .


Posted In: Trading Ideas Movers News General Biotech Health Care Large Cap