GSK to launch five new oncology medicines

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced plans to launch up to five new oncology compounds before 2010.

The products would be used in treating and preventing cancer, along with supporting care in a range of functions. They include therapies for cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma, thrombocytopenia, emesis and NHL/CLL.

GSK named the drugs as Cervarix, Pazopanib, Promacta, Rezonic and Ofatumumab respectively.

In addition, the firm’s oral treatment for breast cancer Tykerb, has got off to “a strong start” in the US market, it claims.

Moncef Slaoui, chairman of research and development at 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.”

“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,” the GSK executive added.

GSK is Europe’s biggest drug manufacturer and according to the Independent is currently in competition with German rival Merck to produce the first lung cancer vaccine.