Seattle Genetics Inc.
(
SGEN
) recently received approval from Health Canada for its oncology
drug, Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin). Adcetris has been approved
under Health Canada's Notice of Compliance with conditions
(NOC/c) for the treatment of patients with Hodgkins lymphoma (HL)
after failure of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or after
failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens
in patients who are not suitable for ASCT.
Adcetris was also approved for the treatment of systemic
anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) after failure of at least
one multi-agent chemotherapy regimen.
For similar indications, Adcetris was approved by the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) in Aug 2011 and in the EU in Oct
2012.
The NOC/c requires Seattle Genetics to conduct clinical trials
to confirm the anticipated clinical benefit of Adcetris. Seattle
Genetics is currently enrolling patients for two confirmatory
phase III studies evaluating the drug for the front-line
treatment of HL and mature T-cell lymphoma (MTCL), including
sALCL.
Meanwhile, in Jan 2013, a global phase III study (ECHELON-2)
was initiated on Adcetris. In this study, Adcetris plus
chemotherapy will be evaluated for the front-line treatment of
CD30-positive MTCL including patients with sALCL and other types
of peripheral T-cell lymphomas.
Our Take
We are positive on Seattle Genetics' efforts to penetrate new
markets. In Canada, Adcetris is the first in a new class of
antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to be approved. Adcetris'
revenues for the nine months ending Sep 30, 2012 were $102.8
million.
Seattle Genetics carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Right now
Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(
PPHM
),
Valeant Pharmaceuticals
(
VRX
) and
Targacept, Inc.
(
TRGT
) look more attractive with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
PEREGRINE PHARM (PPHM): Free Stock Analysis
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SEATTLE GENETIC (SGEN): Free Stock Analysis
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TARGACEPT INC (TRGT): Free Stock Analysis
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VALEANT PHARMA (VRX): Free Stock Analysis
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