Pfizer Takes Step Back With Avelumab, Step Forward On CAR-T

09 Mar 2017

• By Emily Hayes

Major changes to Phase III Lung 100 study of PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab mean a big delay for development in first-line lung cancer, but, separately, Pfizer advances in allogeneic CAR-T therapy with partners Servier and Cellectis.

Pfizer Inc. has taken a step backward with the development of its PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab in lung cancer, the most valuable indication for checkpoint inhibitors, but the firm's efforts to build in immuno-oncology are advancing in another important area through an IND for an off-the-shelf CAR-T candidate, in partnership with Servier SA and Cellectis SA.

Avelumab, which is partnered with Merck KGAA'sEMD Serono Inc., has trailed behind development of the leaders in the...