AZN, Daiichi's Enhertu sBLA Gets FDA Priority Review for Breast Cancer

Core Insights - AstraZeneca (AZN) and Daiichi Sankyo's FDA acceptance of a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for Enhertu aims to expand its label for treating HER2-positive breast cancer [1][7] - The sBLA is based on positive results from the phase III DESTINY-Breast09 study, which showed Enhertu combined with Roche's Perjeta significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) compared to standard treatments [3][4] Group 1: FDA Approval and Study Results - The FDA has granted priority review for the sBLA, reducing the review period by four months, with a final decision expected in Q1 2026 [2] - The DESTINY-Breast09 study demonstrated a median PFS of nearly 41 months for the Enhertu-Perjeta combination, compared to about 27 months for the standard taxane chemotherapy with Herceptin and Perjeta [3][7] - The Enhertu-Perjeta regimen achieved an ORR of 85.1%, surpassing the 78.6% ORR of the standard treatment [4][7] Group 2: Market Potential and Strategic Importance - Enhertu is already approved in over 85 countries for second-line HER2-positive breast cancer treatment and has additional approvals for lung and gastric cancers [5] - Both Enhertu and Datroway are projected to achieve peak annual sales of at least $5 billion, contributing to AstraZeneca's goal of reaching $80 billion in annual revenues by 2030 [10] - The partnership between AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo involves joint development and marketing responsibilities, with Daiichi retaining exclusive rights in Japan [9] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - ADCs are viewed as disruptive innovations in cancer treatment, allowing targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs to tumors [11] - Daiichi Sankyo is developing several ADCs across various cancers and has a partnership with Merck for additional ADCs, indicating a competitive landscape with significant revenue potential [12] - Pfizer's acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion highlights the growing interest in the ADC space, with multiple ADCs contributing to its revenue [13]