Eli Lilly says Alimta helps lung cancer patients

The preliminary study results were released ahead of the company's presentation later this month at the 44th annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

The trial compared the safety and effectiveness of Alimta versus a placebo in 663 patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, whose disease had not progressed after four rounds of chemotherapy. Patients given Alimta lived 4.3 months without their tumors returning or progressing, compared with 2.6 months for patients taking placebo.

Lilly said no significant side effect differences were identified between the two trial arms.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and represents 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers. NSCLC can spread through the lymphatic system, penetrating the chest lining, ribs and the nerves and blood vessels that lead to the arm. The liver, bones and brain are potential targets if the cancerous cells enter the bloodstream.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the world's most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women -with more than 1 million people dying from the disease each year.

Lilly shares fell 2 cents to $48.65.