Benzinga | Apr 23, 2021 10:12AM EDT

Coherus Shares Are Trading Higher As Toripalimab Shows Survival Benefit In Late-Stage Esophageal Cancer Study

* Coherus BioSciences Inc's (NASDAQ: CHRS) partner Junshi Biosciences reported interim analysis from JUPITER-06 Phase 3 trial evaluating toripalimab in combination with paclitaxel/cisplatin chemo as first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

* Independent Data Monitoring Committee has determined that toripalimab-paclitaxel/cisplatin combo has achieved the pre-specified primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

* Interim data showed toripalimab combo therapy significantly prolonged the PFS and OS, compared with paclitaxel/cisplatin alone.

* Data from the study are expected later this year.

* Earlier in 2021, Coherus in-licensed rights to develop and commercialize toripalimab in the United States and Canada.

* Price Action: CHRS shares are up 0.5% at $14.71 on the last check Friday.