GSK to present ‘encouraging’ new oncology data

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is to present new data at the annual meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology in Stockholm supporting its late-stage development programme in this field.

The company will reveal trial data for Tyverb (lapatinib) and (pazopanib) at the meeting, with these results forming the foundation of its phase III development plans for these compounds in a range of indications.

These include head and neck, ovarian and lung cancer and soft tissue sarcoma.

GSK said it would also present data for Zunrisa (casopitant), elesclomol and Mage-A3 ASCI at the conference, highlighting the robust level of growth within its oncology drug portfolio.

The firm has also announced the formation of an integrated oncology research and development unit.

Paolo Paoletti, senior vice-president of oncology research and development at the company, said: “GSK has designed this new organisation to help us increase the breadth and depth of our core oncology knowledge, in order to ultimately deliver more innovative medicines that enhance cancer patients’ lives.”

He added the establishment of this unit will allow the company to capture the synergies between discovery and development in this field.

Earlier this week, GSK announced the appointment of Ellen Strahlman as chief medical officer of the company.