Triplet combination of Braftovi, Mektovi and cetuximab increases the median overall survival rate compared to the standard of care by nearly double.

Earlier in 2019, Pfizer agreed to acquire Array BioPharma for $11.5 billion. One of the key drivers of the company’s decision to buy was the positive results obtained for a triplet combination therapy under development by Array for the treatment of drug-resistant colon cancer.

The combination of Braftovi (encorafenib), Mektovi) (binimetinib) and Erbitux (cetuximab) has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has also achieved a median overall survival rate of 9 months among drug-resistant patients with BRAF V600E-mutated cases of colorectal cancer, compared with 5.4 months for the standard of care, in Array’s BEACON CRC trial. There was a high dose-related rate of adverse events for patients receiving the triplet combination, but it was comparable to that observed in patients receiving the standard treatment.

Pfizer’s offer for Array came just a few days after the two companies discussed these topline results for the triplet therapy.