AbbVie Candidate in Pivotal Study - Analyst Blog

Pipeline updates are highly awaited events in the pharma/biotech sector as they play an important role in deciding whether or not to invest in a particular company. These updates provide information on experimental drugs and at times give an insight into the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized.

Earlier this week, AbbVie Inc. ABBV provided an update on its experimental cancer drug which has been moved into a pivotal study (n=900). AbbVie's PARP inhibitor, veliparib's safety and efficacy will be evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter phase III study which will be conducted in previously untreated patients suffering from locally advanced or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In this study, two patient groups will be randomized to receive either carboplatin and Taxol (paclitaxel), which are standard chemotherapies, plus veliparib or carboplatin and Taxol plus placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study is overall survival.

Meanwhile, AbbVie is working towards strengthening its pipeline. The company has a number of candidates in late stage of development or under regulatory process. AbbVie is also pursuing phase III studies on Humira for expanding its label for uveitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

We note that AbbVie has partnered programs with several companies, including Biogen BIIB. AbbVie and Biogen are developing daclizumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (regulatory applications slated for late 2014). AbbVie's Duopa is under review in the U.S. for advanced Parkinson's disease.

Meanwhile, veliparib is in another phase III study in which the safety and efficacy of the compound is being evaluated when added to carboplatin in women suffering from early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. A phase IIb study on veliparib is also ongoing in BRCA-mutated breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy.

One of the approved drugs for NSCLC is Pfizer's PFE Xalkori.

AbbVie holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Another stock in the healthcare sector looking equally good is Johnson & Johnson JNJ, carrying a Zacks Rank #2.