- Results from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) and Sanofi's (NASDAQ:SNY) EMPOWER-Lung 1 study were published in The Lancet.
- The trial evaluated investigational use of the PD-1 inhibitor Libtayo (cemiplimab) compared to platinum-doublet chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ≥50% PD-L1 expression in tumor cells.
- Libtayo was superior in extending overall survival compared to chemotherapy, even with 74% of patients crossing over to the Libtayo arm following progression on chemotherapy.
- Libtayo reduced the risk of death by 32% in all patients and by 43% among those with confirmed PD-L1 expression of 50% or higher.
- The safety profile of Libtayo was generally consistent with previous trials and other PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors.
- The FDA has granted a Priority Review with a target action date of February 28, 2021. A European Commission decision is expected by mid-2021.