Kyowa Hakko Kirin begins phase III study of lung cancer drug

Kyowa Hakko Kirin has announced the commencement of a phase III clinical study of a new therapy for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

A randomised, double-blind study is taking place in Asia to evaluate the overall survival benefits of a new regimen that combines the investigational compound ARQ 197 with erlotinib.

Originally developed by ArQule, the compound has been licensed by Kyowa Hakko Kirin and has already undergone phase III testing in other territories.

A total of around 460 patients are intended to be enrolled for the current study, which is being conducted alongside another Asian trial evaluating the ARQ 197 as a gastric cancer treatment.

The company said in a statement: "Kyowa Hakko Kirin aims to contribute to human health and wellbeing worldwide through innovative drug discovery and global commercialisation, driven by state-of-the-art biotechnology."

Earlier this year, the company expanded its presence in Europe through the acquisition of ProStrakan, which is based in Galashiels, Scotland.