Halozyme Therapeutics Inc said its lead drug to treat a late form of pancreated cancer met the main goal in a mid-stage study, sending its shares soaring in premarket trading.

The study population showed a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival, the company said.

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.

Halozyme's shares were up 44 percent at $15.40 in trading before the opening bell on Thursday.