GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has presented an overview on its expanding and innovative oncology portfolio, with clinical updates on several important new medicines, to investors and analysts at a meeting in London.
GSK expects to launch up to five major new compounds from 2007 - 2010 in cancer prevention, treatment and supportive care across a broad range of cancer types, Cervarix, for prevention of cervical cancer. Pazopanib, for renal cell carcinoma. Promacta, for thrombocytopenia (initially ITP). Rezonic, for emesis. Ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20), for NHL/CLL.
Tykerb, GSK's new oral treatment for breast cancer, off to a strong start in USA with approximately 3,000 patients treated since launch in March. Together, these six significant opportunities will enter fast-growing, new markets. Current oncology market valued at >£20 billion and growing annually at 20 per cent.
Pioneering products in cervical cancer and ITP meet significant unmet medical need.
Commenting on the seminar, Moncef Slaoui, chairman of R&D, GSK said, "Over the next three years, GSK will make a difference to millions of patients facing cancer, with up to five new products expected to be launched in this period. Today demonstrates the significant progress we have made to expand and develop our oncology portfolio. We are actively developing late-stage medicines in over twelve different cancer types, from pioneering treatments such as Tykerb to vaccines that can treat as well as prevent cancer. Moving deeper into the pipeline we believe that this productivity in oncology can be sustained as we have a significant number of promising new compounds in early-stage discovery. We expect our oncology pipeline to be a key area of success for GSK for many years to come."
Additionally, Paolo Paoletti, SVP Oncology Medicine Development Centre, GSK commented, "We will be launching an unprecedented number of products for use in treatment, prevention and supportive care of cancer patients. The promise of Tykerb is already being seen in the USA; and we believe the data presented today further support the innovative and competitive profiles of our oncology medicines currently in late-stage development. With over thirty new specialist oncologists recently recruited to work in this area, we will continue to invest in our oncology capability and vigorously pursue development of these new medicines for patients with cancer."