Benzinga | Sep 24, 2021 06:53AM EDT

AstraZeneca - Merck's Lynparza Delays Disease Progression In Prostate Cancer Patients

* AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:AZN) has reported high-level results from the PROpel Phase 3 trial of Lynparza (olaparib) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

* The data showed Lynparza plus abiraterone demonstrated improvement in radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) versus abiraterone as a 1st-line treatment for mCRPC with or without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations.

* Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) Zytiga (abiraterone) is considered standard of care.

* The trial also showed a trend at this interim analysis towards improved overall survival. However, the data are still immature.

* The safety and tolerability were consistent with the known profiles of each medicine.

* The data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

* In July 2017, AstraZeneca and Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) collaborated to co-develop and co-commercialize Lynparza and Koselugo for multiple cancer types.

* Price Action: AZN stock is up 1.87% at $60.59, and MRK stock is up 1.57% at $74.20 during the premarket session on the last check Friday.