Eli Lilly to present “important” cancer data

Eli Lilly has said it will present information from a total of 79 studies at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) next week, including 11 breast cancer studies.

The company says that it will demonstrate data on its investigational, oral targeted agent, enzastaurin, for use on multiple tumours. It will also exhibit information regarding Gemzar and Alimta breast cancer treatment trials. Lilly says that Alimta displays virtually no signs of hair loss in patients, unlike some other chemotherapy drugs.

Gemzar is also used for pancreatic cancer, for which it is the treatment in nine out of ten cases in the US and EU, according to the company. Alimta is already approved for use on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung linings associated with asbestos exposure.

Richard Gaynor, vice-president of cancer research and global oncology platform leader for Lilly, said: “With 79 abstracts around 3 Lilly molecules, ASCO 2006 is definitely big for us.”

“One of the things that people will notice is that Lilly Oncology is truly at the forefront of scientific development, demonstrated in our innovative studies employing biomarkers and pharmacogenomics in clinical research around chemotherapy agents to strive to ensure better patient outcomes,” he added.

Gemzar brought in $1.3 billion (691 million pounds) of sales during 2005. It is designed as a first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

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