New Drug Combination Shows Promise in Lung Cancer Survival Rates

Findings from the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study indicate that the combination of RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) and LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) significantly enhances overall survival rates for Asian patients suffering from EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). On December 8, 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced these promising results, marking a notable advancement in the first-line treatment of this prevalent cancer in the region.

This combination therapy is the first chemotherapy-free treatment to demonstrate a survival benefit compared to osimertinib in Asian patients. The median overall survival (OS) for those treated with amivantamab and lazertinib has not yet been reached, but projections suggest it could exceed four years, surpassing the estimated survival rate of over three years with osimertinib monotherapy by more than a year.

Significant Study Outcomes

Data from the MARIPOSA study revealed a 26 percent reduction in the risk of death for patients receiving the combination therapy compared to those on osimertinib alone. The results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2025, where lead trial investigator Dr. Hidetoshi Hayashi from Kindai University in Osaka highlighted the importance of these findings. He stated, “Amivantamab plus lazertinib demonstrated a 26 percent lower risk of death compared to osimertinib monotherapy and is projected to extend survival well beyond what has historically been possible.”

The study involved 501 participants who identified as Asian, many of whom came from the Asia-Pacific region. The median follow-up for these patients was approximately 38.7 months. While the median OS for the combination group remains to be determined, the results indicated that 61 percent of patients treated with this regimen were alive at the three-year mark, compared to 53 percent of those receiving osimertinib.

At 42 months, survival rates were 59 percent for the combination therapy versus 46 percent for osimertinib, showcasing a durable survival benefit of amivantamab and lazertinib.

Implications for Lung Cancer Treatment

Survival rates for lung cancer remain a pressing concern, particularly for patients with EGFR mutations. In Asia, these mutations are significantly more common, affecting approximately 30 to 40 percent of patients compared to 10 to 15 percent in Europe and the United States. Despite advancements in treatment, about 30 percent of patients do not reach second-line therapy, underscoring the critical nature of first-line treatment decisions.

Kazuo Hasegawa, founder of Lung Cancer Patients Network ONE STEP, expressed optimism about the results, stating, “These results give real proof that progress is being made for people living with EGFR-mutated lung cancer.” As the combination therapy proves effective, it offers hope for a brighter future in lung cancer treatment across Asia.

The safety profile of amivantamab and lazertinib was consistent with previous findings in the overall MARIPOSA population, with no new safety concerns reported. Most adverse reactions were manageable and occurred early in treatment. Among participants, common Grade 3 or higher adverse events included rash (18 percent), dermatitis acneiform (9 percent), and paronychia (9 percent).

As the healthcare landscape evolves, Johnson & Johnson aims to transform lung cancer treatment through innovative therapies targeting the underlying biology of the disease. Anthony Elgamal, Vice President of Oncology for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Asia Pacific, noted, “By targeting the key EGFR and MET pathways that drive tumor growth and resistance while engaging the immune system, amivantamab plus lazertinib is delivering longer survival in the first-line setting.”

The approval of this combination therapy in markets including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and several Asia-Pacific countries marks a significant step forward in providing effective treatment options for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

As the medical community continues to investigate and refine treatment options, the MARIPOSA study lays a foundation for future research aimed at improving outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.