GSK Fast Tracks Cancer Drug Expected to Revolutionise Treatment

GSK has announced promising results from early trials of a new gynaecological cancer drug, which it aims to fast-track for market release in the coming years. The pharmaceutical giant is poised to launch five large-scale global trials of the Mo-Rez drug, following its strong performance in treating both ovarian and endometrial cancer.

In trials involving 224 patients, Mo-Rez successfully shrank or eradicated tumours in 62 per cent of ovarian cancer patients and 67 per cent of those with endometrial cancer, a significant achievement for a group that frequently experiences cancer recurrence despite chemotherapy. The five-year survival rates for these patients languish around 20 to 30 per cent.

GSK licensed Mo-Rez from China’s Hansoh and retains exclusive global rights, apart from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Manufacturing takes place in GSK’s own facilities outside of China. Hesham Abdullah, head of oncology research and development at GSK, emphasised that the swift progression to multiple Phase 3 trials reflects both the robustness of the trial data and the leadership of the new CEO, Luke Miels.

Abdullah asserted that GSK considers Mo-Rez a “key asset” with the potential to become a blockbuster drug, signalling peak annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Internal estimates suggest the drug could generate more than £2 billion annually. GSK is aiming to increase total sales from £32.7 billion in 2025 to over £40 billion by 2031, under the guidance of the company’s previous CEO, Dame Emma Walmsley.

Globally, endometrial cancer affects 1.6 million people, while ovarian cancer impacts over 840,000 individuals. The World Cancer Research Fund indicates that more than 200,000 women die from ovarian cancer each year, alongside approximately 100,000 fatalities from endometrial cancer.

The situation in the UK is also concerning, with around 7,600 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed annually. Currently, only 40 per cent of affected women survive the disease for ten years or more. Endometrial cancer stands as the most common type of uterine cancer, with about 10,100 new cases each year, and a relative 10-year survival rate of approximately 70 per cent.

GSK traces its origins to the Plough Court Pharmacy established in London in 1715. The company rose to prominence in the pharmaceuticals sector following the launch of Ventolin, the world’s most widely used asthma drug, in 1969 and Zantac in the 1980s, which became the second-ever blockbuster drug.

Despite selling its oncology division in 2014, GSK has embraced a renewed focus in this area over the past six years, now boasting four approved medicines alongside 13 clinical stage assets. The company aims for 15 major product launches as it targets its £40 billion sales objective.