Breakthrough in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Success of TTFields by Novocure and Zai Lab
How an innovative therapy is transforming the approach to treating complex cancers, backed by the financial performance of leading companies
Breakthrough Therapy TTFields and Results of the PANOVA-3 Study
The joint PANOVA-3 study conducted by Novocure and Zai Lab has become a landmark event in the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer. The use of Tumor Treatment Fields (TTFields) in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel has demonstrated statistically significant improvement in median overall survival of patients, offering new hope for treating complex cancer cases.
The median overall survival for patients treated with TTFields was 16.2 months, two months longer than that of the control group. Moreover, survival at 24 months increased by 33%, highlighting the long-term efficacy of this approach.
PANOVA-3 is the first phase 3 study to demonstrate statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Nicholas Leupen, Chief Medical Officer of Novocure. "This marks the third successful phase 3 trial by the company in the past two years. We are deeply grateful to the patients and researchers for their contributions and eagerly anticipate presenting the full results at the upcoming medical congress.
Novocure's Financial Performance
Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR), with its global presence, continues to show growth in key indicators despite significant investments in research and development.
Revenue: $444 million for the nine months of 2024, representing an 18% increase over the same period last year.
R&D Investments: $158 million allocated to clinical trials, including PANOVA-3.
Net Loss: $102.7 million, reflecting strategic investments in technology development and product line expansion(10Q).
Positive revenue growth demonstrates the demand for the company’s solutions, while significant investments solidify its leadership in the innovative cancer treatment market.
Zai Lab's Role in the Global Strategy
Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688), one of Novocure’s key partners, is actively developing the TTFields market in China. In 2022, there were 134,374 new cases of pancreatic cancer reported in the country, making it a crucial region for the therapy’s commercialization.
Future Outlook
Regulatory Plans: Novocure and Zai Lab are preparing to submit approval applications in leading countries worldwide, including the U.S., EU, Japan, and China.
Expanding Research: In addition to PANOVA-3, the companies are working on PANOVA-4, which targets metastatic pancreatic cancer, with results expected in 2026.
Each year, around 134,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in China, one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to limited therapeutic options and low survival rates," added Dr. Rafael Amado, Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "PANOVA-3 has demonstrated both clinically and statistically significant improvements in survival. We are proud of our contribution to this study and look forward to working with Novocure to bring this treatment to patients as quickly as possible
TTFields are emerging as one of the most promising solutions in oncology, offering patients not only increased survival but also improved quality of life. Innovations and confident financial growth position Novocure and Zai Lab as leaders of a new era in cancer treatment.