AstraZeneca (GB: AZN) (AZN) has released positive results associated with Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), the first-of-its-kind HER2 directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It is jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited (DSKYF) and AstraZeneca. The antibody-drug is developed to treat adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Daiichi Sankyo is engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceuticals, while AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company.
Results showed significant progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with “HR-positive or HR-negative HER2-low unresectable or metastatic breast cancer” versus chemotherapy. Interestingly, Enhertu extended survival over six months in patients suffering from advanced breast cancer.
Supporting Data
The findings were based on data from the DESTINY-Breast04 Phase 3 trial, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Enhertu against chemotherapy. The trial enrolled around 550 HER2-low patients from Asia, Europe, and North America, all of whom received at least one round of chemotherapy.
Enhertu met the primary endpoint in the analysis and showed a 49% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death versus chemotherapy in patients. These patients suffered from HER2-low metastatic breast cancer with HR-positive disease.
Additionally, a blinded independent central review (BICR) revealed a similar 50% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death in all patients.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with more than two million cases being diagnosed in 2020, which resulted in approximately 685,000 deaths.
Official Comments
Susan Galbraith, EVP, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca said, “Today’s results represent a pivotal moment demonstrating the potential for Enhertu to redefine the treatment of HER2-targetable cancers…We must now evolve the way we classify and treat metastatic breast cancer to ensure these patients are effectively diagnosed and treated.”
Wall Street’s Take
Recently, Danske Bank analyst Caroline Baner initiated coverage of AstraZeneca with a Buy rating and a price target of 13,100p (25.45% upside potential).
Baner is optimistic about AstraZeneca’s long-term growth prospects based on the company’s medicines in oncology and rare diseases, along with collaboration projects.
The rest of the Street is cautiously optimistic about the stock, with a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on nine Buys, two Holds, and one Sell. The average AstraZeneca stock forecast of 11,304.55p implies 8.26% upside potential from current levels. Shares have gained 33.64% over the past year.
Bottom-Line
Given the company’s strong pipeline of products, recent clinical developments, high analyst ratings, stock price performance, and long-term prospects, investors may consider investing in AstraZeneca stock at the current level.
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