Johnson & Johnson’s prostate cancer drug shrinks tumors in early-stage trial
Oct 24 (Reuters) Johnson Johnson on Saturday said its experimental once-daily oral prostate cancer drug caused tumors to disappear or shrink in an early-stage trial. J J had gained access to the drug through its $3.05 billion deal to buy Halda Therapeutics last year. Here are more details: • The company was testing JNJ-6143 in patients with advanced prostate cancer who had received multiple treatments • Its novel approach selectively kills cancer cells by interfering with a protein they need to survive • In the trial, 77% of 31 evaluable patients receiving the 50-milligram dose saw their PSA levels, a blood marker used to monitor prostate cancer, fall by at least 50%; in 48% of patients, PSA levels fell by at least 90% • Among patients whose tumors could be measured using imaging, 69% had a confirmed complete or partial response • It adds a new mechanism of action to J J s prostate cancer portfolio, a Johnson Johnson spokesperson said • Common side effects were