On December 11, 2017 GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) reported promising new data from the dose expansion phase of the DREAMM-1 study of GSK2857916, an investigational anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) antibody-drug conjugate (Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522570]). In this study of heavily pre-treated multiple myeloma patients (n=35), GSK2857916 monotherapy demonstrated a 60% response rate (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.1% – 76.1%) and a median progression free survival of 7.9 months (95% CI: 3.1 – not estimable). Results were presented during an oral presentation at the 59th annual meeting of the American Society for Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper).

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Patients were enrolled in DREAMM-1 independent of BCMA expression levels. The study participants were heavily pre-treated, with 57% of the patients having at least five prior lines of treatment and 40% having prior daratumumab treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were corneal events (63%) and thrombocytopenia (57%); no dose-limiting toxicities were reported. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) occurred in 23% of patients (without pre-medication) on the first infusion and no IRRs occurred on subsequent infusions.

Axel Hoos, SVP Oncology R&D, GSK said "The patients participating in the DREAMM-1 trial had very limited options for further treatment, so we are encouraged by the response rate seen in this trial. GSK2857916 is the leading asset in our emerging pipeline of potentially transformative Oncology medicines and we plan to rapidly progress its development programme, initiating pivotal monotherapy studies as well as new combination studies in 2018."

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United Statesi and is generally considered treatable but not curable. Multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments, so research into new treatments is vital. GSK2857916 was recently awarded Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration and PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency; these designations are intended to facilitate development of investigational medicines that have shown clinical promise for conditions where there is significant unmet need.

The DREAMM -1 study is a first-in-human, open-label study of GSK2857916 in patients with relapsed/ refractory multiple myeloma. The primary objective is safety; response rate, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity are secondary endpoints. The study consists of two parts: a dose escalation phase in which patients received GSK2857916 at escalating doses and a dose expansion phase in which all patients received GSK2857916 at the recommended phase II dose. Results from the dose escalation phase of the study were presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2016ii

GSK in Oncology
GSK is focused on delivering transformational therapies for cancer patients. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, and epigenetics. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments for cancer patients based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilising modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, multi-specific molecules, adjuvants and cells, either alone or in combination.

The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) show important R&D progress in GSK’s Oncology pipeline. The company has also strengthened its commercial and R&D interface within Oncology through the recent appointment of Christine Roth as Oncology Franchise Head, who will be responsible for shaping the commercial and global product strategy for GSK’s innovative pipeline of Oncology assets.

In 2015 GSK divested its Oncology business for an aggregate cash consideration of $16 billion, while retaining its portfolio of early stage Oncology assets. Novartis has a right of first negotiation (ROFN) that is triggered upon a decision to seek a partner or divest certain Oncology assets or if GSK proposes to seek a marketing authorisation for such Oncology assets, on an asset by asset basis. The ROFN does not oblige GSK to sell to, or partner with, Novartis. Novartis does not have an "opt-in" or a "call" option related to GSK’s Oncology pipeline. Under the ROFN, GSK is able to continue to develop and commercialise assets on its own. GSK’s obligation is to negotiate in good faith. GSK would only enter into a transaction if GSK believes it was in the best interest of its shareholders. The ROFN extends for 12.5 years from closing; i.e. September 2027.The complete contractual terms of the ROFN are available at View Source

Conference call for investors and analysts
GSK will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 18:00 GMT/ 1:00PM EST on Tuesday, 12 December 2017.