knowledge -WSS

knowledge

author：explore 2025-10-02 22:40:14 - browse：8

There are a lot of reasons why updated data on Pfizer’s Lorbrena, a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, might not seem to be a big deal. The results are an update on the clinical trial that resulted in the Food and Drug Administration granting Lorbrena full approval in 2001, so in a sense they are not even that new. For Pfizer investors, Lorbrena isn’t that big a deal, either. The medicine, for patients whose lung tumors have particular genetic mutations, generated only $575 million last year — an amount that is up 57% from the year prior, but that still constitutes only 1% of the drug giant’s annual sales.

But there is one number that makes the Lorbrena data quite eye-catching: In the updated data, the daily pill decreased the risk that cancer would progress or that a patient would die by 81% over five years.

That’s a stunning number, especially when one considers that Lorbrena was not being compared to an inert placebo but to Xalkori, another Pfizer targeted cancer drug.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： ChatGPT in medicine: STAT answers readers' burning questions
Next article： Life sciences investors close nearly $6 billion in new funds

leisure time

WSS

Readout Newsletter: Medeor's stem cell study, Moderna's stock dip

FDA panel to weigh approval of NurOwn, controversial ALS drug

Emergency workers more likely to restrain Black patients: study

Lasker Awards 2023: Winners in biomedical research

Readout LOUD podcast: ESMO highlights & Roivant's big deal

Changes to biosimilar regulatory framework must prioritize patients

leisure time

knowledge

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

entertainment

Malaria cases in Florida and Texas: Here’s what you need to know

STAT Virtual Event: Putting AI to the Test

After affirmative action ruling, medical educators look to 'holistic review'

How neuroscience research could help beat back brain cancer

Novavax promises a turnaround & Lilly roils the obesity market

Hearing on Medicare drug price negotiation gets unusually heated

Drug repurposing or repositioning? The language matters

How to convince healthy people to buy insurance

New air purifier tech could be key to improving indoor air quality

How to convince healthy people to buy insurance

entertainment

CommonSpirit Health keeps growing, even as it loses money

Readout LOUD podcast: The Sarepta saga, decoding biotech hype

Prime Medicine says its gene editing passes test in monkeys

Lung cancer screening guidelines updated for cigarette smokers

Gene therapy’s promise and the high cost of hope

STAT Virtual Event: Putting AI to the Test

leisure time

focus

leisure time

Wikipedia