Updated
Updated · STAT · Jun 22
Pfizer’s Sigvotatug Vedotin Fails Lung Cancer Trial After $43 Billion Seagen Bet
Updated
Updated · STAT · Jun 22

Pfizer’s Sigvotatug Vedotin Fails Lung Cancer Trial After $43 Billion Seagen Bet

3 articles · Updated · STAT · Jun 22

Summary

  • Pfizer said sigvotatug vedotin fell short in a clinical trial, undermining plans to replace docetaxel in a common form of lung cancer.
  • Docetaxel has been widely used since its 1996 approval, and the experimental drug had been positioned as a potential new standard in that setting.
  • Albert Bourla last year called the medicine a possible growth driver later this decade, while Leerink in May labeled the readout a major oncology catalyst after hearing optimistic physician feedback.
  • The setback lands on an asset Pfizer acquired through its $43 billion Seagen purchase in 2023, raising the stakes for the company’s oncology pipeline.

Insights

A new lung cancer drug failed its trial but helped some patients. Can this 'successful failure' still lead to a breakthrough?
Pfizer's $43 billion bet just failed a key test. Is its entire growth strategy now in jeopardy?