Johnson & Johnson's prostate cancer drug shrinks tumors in early trial

Johnson & Johnson announced Saturday that its experimental once-daily oral prostate cancer drug, JNJ-6143, shrank or eliminated tumors in an early-stage trial. The company acquired the drug through its $3.05 billion purchase of Halda Therapeutics last year. The drug was tested in 31 patients with advanced prostate cancer who had received multiple prior treatments. It works by interfering with a protein cancer cells need to survive. Results showed 77% of patients saw PSA levels drop by at least 50%, and 69% had confirmed tumor responses on imaging. Common side effects included nausea and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with one patient discontinuing due to adverse effects. The data was presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, adding a new mechanism of action to J&J's prostate cancer portfolio.