Mei, with Bayer and Gilead in its sights, posts pivotal data on blood cancer prospect

Mei Pharma’s bid to break into a congested market fought over by Bayer and Gilead has yielded data. The pivotal trial linked zandelisib to a 70% response rate in follicular lymphoma patients but leaves scope to question whether the drug is differentiated enough to crack a competitive space.

In the primary efficacy population of 91 follicular lymphoma patients, Mei reported a 70% objective response rate (ORR) and a 35% complete response rate. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) inhibitor achieved the response rate in patients who had taken at least two prior systemic therapies, including chemotherapy and an anti-CD20 antibody such as Rituxan, for their blood cancer.