health
AstraZeneca stock jumps after surprise trial win for lung disease drug where rivals have failed
The experimental drug reduced flare-ups for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Astra said Friday.
TL;DR
- AstraZeneca's stock rose over 3% following positive Phase III trial results for its COPD drug, tozorakimab.
- Tozorakimab reduced flare-ups in both former smokers and the overall COPD population compared to a placebo.
- The drug works by suppressing the protein interleukin-33 (IL-33), a mechanism where rivals Sanofi and Roche previously saw mixed results.
- AstraZeneca forecasts $3 billion to $5 billion in peak annual sales for tozorakimab, significantly higher than previous estimates.
- COPD affects nearly 400 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of death.