GSK's near-term R&D prospects include an ADC as it pivots to immunology
GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) will focus near-term R&D on label expansions plus first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) GSK2857916 for multiple myeloma. The news came on Wednesday, when the pharma provided an R&D update, announced 2Q18 earnings and unveiled a partnership with 23andMe Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.).
In a presentation, CEO Emma Walmsley provided a list of near-term growth drivers for 2018-2020, including GSK2857916, which GSK anticipates launching by 2020. GSK has the ADC against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 17 (BCMA; TNFRSF17; CD269) in the pivotal Phase II DREAMM-2 trial as fourth-line treatment of relapsed/refractory MM. Such ADCs could provide treatment for MM patients who cannot access or tolerate CAR T regimens, with potential for better tolerability compared with anti-BCMA CARs (see "Assessing the BCMA Scene")...