Breast cancer research: Biontech reviews further action on cancer drug after setback
The benefits of the active ingredient Trastuzumab Pamirtecan are limited in a phase 3 study. The Biontech share lost 4.7 percent at times in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt - Pharmaceutical company Biontech and its Chinese collaborator DualityBio are evaluating the next steps for their cancer drug Trastuzumab Pamirtecan after a setback in a specific type of breast cancer. Although a global phase-3 study of the treatment among advanced breast cancer patients achieved its primary goal, the disease progression was only moderately slowed, according to Biontech on Monday.
Additionally, a higher rate of lung diseases, including severe and fatal cases, was observed compared to previous studies with the drug. Given the availability of alternative treatments, the potential benefits for patients appear limited.
The news did not receive a positive reception on the stock market, with Biontech shares losing up to 4.7 percent. The two companies plan to jointly analyze the data and decide on the next steps for this application area. Biontech also mentioned that they are currently investigating Trastuzumab Pamirtecan in a further phase-3 study for womb cancer, as well as an early-stage study for advanced solid tumors.
This setback is concerning for the oncology program of the Mainz-based company, which it has heavily invested in. In April 2023, Biontech secured the global rights to the drug, excluding China, paying DualityBio $170 million up front and agreeing to milestone payments potentially exceeding $1.5 billion. In September 2025, the partners reported success with the medication in another phase-3 study in China for breast cancer, leading to discussions between DualityBio and the local authorities about submitting an approval application.
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