Investigational drug, in combo with chemo, shown to help colorectal cancer patients survive longer

PARIS — An investigational drug helped patients survive longer when combined with chemotherapy as a second-line treatment for colorectal cancer that had spread to other parts of the body, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial announced by French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis and U.S.-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

The phase-3 trial combined the drug Zaltrap (aflibercept) with a combination of the chemotherapy drugs folinic acid (leucovorin), 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan, also known as the FOLFIRI regimen.

“We are pleased with the results of the Zaltrap phase-3 study in this group of patients,” stated Debasish Roychowdhury, SVP and head of Sanofi-Aventis’ global oncology division. “We are committed to bringing Zaltrap to patients with advanced colorectal cancer and maximizing the therapeutic potential of this unique and exciting medicine.”