Prioritising the development of targeted medicines
Even with significant progress in cancer prevention and treatment, there remains a huge need for innovation to improve quality of life and long-term survival for patients. Our focus on precision medicine-based technology is helping us to pinpoint cancer’s genetic signature and find new treatment combinations to match the right medicine to the right patient. We are working to realise the full potential of our existing medicines, as well as to expand our portfolio in areas of high unmet need.
We have accelerated research areas including tumour-cell targeting therapies and next generation immuno-oncology agents, drawing on our internal capabilities, our expertise in human genetics and the science of the immune system, as well as that of our partners.
We have multiple investigational medicines in our oncology pipeline that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients with cancer, and we continue to grow our pipeline through targeted business development.
Blood cancers
Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer where excessive scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, which interferes with the production of healthy blood cells. Nearly all myelofibrosis patients will eventually develop anaemia and require regular blood transfusions.
Myelofibrosis affects around 25,000 patients in the US, most of whom either have anaemia when they’re diagnosed or develop it eventually. Patients often need transfusions, and around 30% stop treatment with established therapies because of anaemia. Myelofibrosis patients who are anaemic and dependent on transfusions have poor prognosis and shortened survival rates. We are utilising our expertise in haematology and advanced technologies to address the unmet needs of patients with myelofibrosis, improving their outcomes and quality of life.
Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally and is generally considered treatable but not curable. In 2022 there were almost 188,000 new cases and over 121,000 deaths globally due to multiple myeloma.
There are limited treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma when they relapse or stop responding to previous therapies. Therefore, our goal is to offer more options for patients across all lines of therapy. We are exploring how potential combination therapies can further improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma.
Gynaecologic cancers
We are working towards breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases such as endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
Endometrial, or uterine, cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide, and incidence rates are expected to rise by almost 40% between 2020 and 2040. Our research focuses on developing innovative treatment options that target specific biomarkers associated with endometrial cancer. By understanding the genetic makeup of tumours, we can identify potential vulnerabilities and develop therapies that specifically address the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide. Globally, more than 200,000 women die with the disease every year (GLOBOCAN 2022). Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which leads to high occurrence rates and poorer outcomes. We are researching how poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in combination with other therapeutics can help to optimise treatment outcomes for those newly diagnosed or living with advanced ovarian cancer.
Continuing advances in immuno-oncology
Immuno-oncology is a field of medicine that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight against cancer. This class of therapies has significantly improved outcomes for patients with many types of cancer, however, the search for new immuno-oncology treatments and combinations is important as currently-approved therapies only work in a subset of patients.
We are actively exploring the potential of investigational medicines in our pipeline to help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells more effectively. We are conducting research to identify the right biomarkers and subpopulations that will enhance patient outcomes through combination therapies. We’re studying how combinations of different therapies can enhance anti-tumour activity utilising the CD226 axis that is expressed on the surface of T-cells and natural killer cells. We are also investigating the potential of precision medicine-based technology to match the right medicine to the right patient, further improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
