GSK gets positive results in drug trials for rectal and ovarian cancer

(Alliance News) - GSK PLC has announced positive results from tests of its drug candidates for rectal and ovarian cancer.

The London-based pharmaceutical maker on Saturday said a trial of Jemperli, whose generic name is dostarlimab, showed positive results as a standalone treatment of locally advance rectal cancer.

Analysis showed 76% of patients achieved a complete response to dostarlimab alone, with no need for surgery. There have been no disease recurrences after more than two years in follow-ups so far, GSK said.

The phase II Azur-1 trial was in adults with stage II and III microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair deficient locally advanced rectal cancer.

"For some patients, avoiding chemotherapy, radiation and surgery may now be possible," said Hesham Abdullah, global head of Oncology research and development at GSK. "The recent US approval of Jemperli is a major advance in how this disease may be treated for some patients."

GSK separately on Friday said a trial of mocertatug rezetecan, or Mo-Rez, showed clinically meaningful and durable responses in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in follow-ups after more than 13 months. The follow-up results build upon initial date from the phase I Behold-1 trail announced earlier this year.

"Current treatment options for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are limited and achieving durable responses remains a challenge," explained GSK's Abdullah. "These promising results for Mo-Rez show that treatment responses and durability are maintained over time in many patients, alongside encouraging progression-free survival and a manageable safety profile."

GSK is reporting its third-quarter results on Wednesday. Its shares were up 1.1% to 1,914.50 pence early Monday in London.

By Tom Waite, Alliance News editor

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