Daiichi Sankyo, ArQule complete enrollment in tivantinib plus erlotinib Phase 3 NSCLC trial

ArQule, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQL) and Daiichi Sankyo, Co., Ltd. (TSE 4568) today announced that recruitment of patients has been completed in the randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 MARQUEE pivotal trial of their investigational selective c-MET inhibitor, tivantinib, in combination with erlotinib in previously treated patients with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).    

The MARQUEE (Met inhibitor ARQ 197 plus Erlotinib vs Erlotinib plus placebo in NSCLC) trial began enrollment in January 2011 and is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), which was established following agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tivantinib is currently in Phase 3 development and has not yet been approved for any indication.

"At the time of diagnosis with lung cancer, more than half of all patients have progressed to advanced stages of the disease, with a poor prognosis for long-term survival. There is a high unmet need for additional effective treatment options for patients and their families," said Glenn Gormley, MD, PhD, Global Head, Research & Development and Senior Executive Officer, Daiichi Sankyo and President, Daiichi Sankyo Pharma Development.

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the globe, with an estimated 1.6 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. NSCLC is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85 percent of all cases. The majority of all lung cancers are non-squamous.

"We would like to thank the patients, investigators and clinical sites who are participating in the MARQUEE trial," said Brian Schwartz, chief medical officer of ArQule. "Their commitment, diligence and care have been essential in the timely achievement of this important milestone in the development of tivantinib."