Novartis to present cancer drug data at ASCO and EHA

Novartis is presenting new oncology drug data at two medical conferences taking place over the coming weeks.

The company is attending the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, which begins today (May 29th) and runs until June 2nd, before travelling to the congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) from June 11th to 14th.

It will share data on 21 medicines and 11 investigational compounds across more than 185 data presentations, including information on Tafinlar and Mekinist's performance in the treatment of melanoma and lung cancer.

Also featured will be information on lung cancer therapy Zykadia, haematology agents Tasigna, Arzerra, Farydak and Jakavi, and investigational treatments for lymphoma, multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer.

Dr Alessandro Riva, global head of Novartis' oncology development and medical affairs, said: "Our broad portfolio illustrates how we use scientific insights to 'starve or destroy' cancer cells implicated in a wide range of tumour types."

The company recently expanded its oncology portfolio with the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline's cancer drug roster.