Pfizer's Padcev Shows Promise in Bladder Cancer Treatment, Expanding ADC Use

Pfizer and Merck & Co. have announced positive results from a clinical trial evaluating the combination of Padcev and Keytruda in bladder cancer patients ineligible for chemotherapy. The study, which assessed the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Padcev alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, met its primary goal in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.

Padcev-Keytruda Combination Demonstrates Efficacy

The trial, involving approximately 600 participants with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, showed that the Padcev-Keytruda combination significantly improved both disease-free survival and overall survival compared to surgery alone. Patients received the combination therapy before and after surgical removal of the bladder.

Dr. Christof Vulsteke, head of Integrated Cancer Center Ghent in Belgium and the study's principal investigator, stated, "These results mark the first time a systemic treatment approach, used before and after surgery, significantly extended survival over standard-of-care surgery in this population, demonstrating the potential of this combination to address a critical unmet patient need."

While specific data were not disclosed, Pfizer announced plans to present detailed findings at an upcoming medical conference. The company also intends to discuss potential approval applications with health regulators to expand Padcev's use in bladder cancer treatment.

Strategic Importance for Pfizer's Oncology Portfolio

Padcev, which Pfizer acquired through its $43 billion buyout of Seagen, is becoming a crucial asset in the company's oncology business. The drug is projected to generate around $2 billion in sales by 2025, providing a much-needed boost to Pfizer's revenue as it faces declining sales from its COVID-19 vaccine and treatment.

Currently, Padcev is approved for use in combination with Keytruda in locally advanced and metastatic bladder cancer that cannot be surgically removed. It is also used as a monotherapy in patients whose disease has progressed after initial treatment.

The positive trial results could potentially expand Padcev's indications to include both neoadjuvant (before surgery) and adjuvant (after surgery) settings in bladder cancer treatment. This expansion would significantly broaden the drug's market potential and strengthen Pfizer's position in the competitive oncology landscape.