Novartis to present cancer drug data at ASCO and EHA

Novartis will be presenting research from its extensive product portfolio and pipeline at the upcoming annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Haematology Association (EHA).

During ASCO 2013, the firm will showcase data detailing the performance of Afinitor, Tasigna and the developmental compound LDK378 against various cancers, while the EHA event will feature results from the latest Jakavi, Tasigna and Exjade trials.

In total, 170 abstracts will be discussed at the two prominent medical meetings, covering breast, lung and blood cancer applications.

This will underline Novartis' strong commitment to oncology drug development, with its pipeline including more than 25 new molecular entities.

Herve Hoppenot, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "This data demonstrates our progress in furthering research and development through a highly-targeted approach, matching specific compounds to pathways that are involved in many difficult-to-treat cancers."

Earlier this month, the company reported positive data from a phase III trial of Afinitor, which showed the drug's efficacy as part of a new HER2-positive advanced breast cancer therapy regimen.