A new treatment for cancer has produced favourable results in its first trials on patients.

British Biotech, of Cowley, studied data from 23 people who used medication designed to selectively kill small lung cancer cells. Doctors found that tumours were reduced or stabilised in four patients.

Later this year a second study will start, when patients will be given the drug more frequently.

The firm paid Immogen £1m for the European and Japanese drug rights.