GlaxoSmithKline

GSK reports positive MATINEE Phase 3 results for Nucala in COPD, showing significant reduction in exacerbations. Nucala targets IL-5 and is not yet approved for COPD globally.

AstraZeneca completed its clinical program for a new inhaler propellant with 99.9% lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), marking a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of respiratory medicines. This propellant, HFO-1234ze, will be used in Breztri/Trixeo Aerosphere, a COPD therapy, with regulatory filings planned for Europe, the UK, and China by end of 2024. This aligns with AstraZeneca's Ambition Zero Carbon strategy to cut its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.

GSK’s long-acting asthma treatment, depemokimab, reduced serious attacks by 54% and hospitalizations/ER visits by 72% in Phase III trials. Despite missing secondary endpoints, the drug’s primary goal of reducing exacerbations was achieved. Depemokimab, an anti-IL-5 therapy, is part of GSK’s planned 12 major product launches, expected to generate £38 billion by 2031, with peak sales of £3 billion. Administered twice yearly, it aims to address unmet needs in severe asthma treatment.

AstraZeneca completed clinical studies for a new inhaler propellant, HFO-1234ze, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 99.9%. Breztri, a COPD therapy, will be the first to transition, with regulatory submissions expected in Europe, the UK, and China by end of 2024. This aligns with AstraZeneca's Ambition Zero Carbon strategy.

GSK's phase III trial MATINEE showed Nucala (mepolizumab) significantly reduced COPD exacerbations in patients with type 2 inflammation. Nucala targets IL-5, key in type 2 inflammation, and preliminary safety results align with known profiles. Full results to be presented at a future scientific congress.

The ethics of returning results to clinical trial participants is complex, influenced by principles like respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Participants often expect to receive personal results, and returning data can respect autonomy, promote transparency, empower individuals, and have environmental benefits. Balancing patient desires with ethical and practical considerations is crucial.

MSD and Daiichi Sankyo presented interim results from the Ideate-Lung01 trial at WCLC, showing the 12 mg/kg dose of ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) had a 54.8% overall response rate (ORR) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 90.5%. The higher dose also showed improved progression-free and overall survival. Safety concerns included interstitial lung disease and gastrointestinal toxicities, but no 'great surprises'. The companies have started phase 3 Ideate-Lung02 study.

ESMO 2024 in Barcelona will feature discussions on cancer therapeutics, including anticipated presentations on bispecific antibodies and anti-TIGIT therapies. Other topics include radioligand therapies and synthetic lethality assets. Experts are optimistic about the potential of these therapeutic classes, despite past challenges.

GSK's phase III trial MATINEE shows Nucala (mepolizumab) significantly reduces COPD exacerbations in patients with type 2 inflammation. Nucala targets IL-5, a key cytokine in type 2 inflammation, and preliminary safety results align with its known profile. Full results to be presented at a future scientific congress.