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Zymeworks Announces Updated Single Agent Data for HER2-Targeted Bispecific Antibody ZW25 at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress

On September 28, 2019 Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE/TSX: ZYME), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing multifunctional therapeutics, reported updated data from the ongoing multi-center Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating ZW25 in patients with HER2‑expressing solid tumors, including biliary tract cancer (BTC), colorectal cancer (CRC), gynecological cancers, and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA), in a poster discussion presentation at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2019 Congress, taking place September 27 – October 1 in Barcelona, Spain (Press release, Zymeworks, SEP 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234539892]).

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"The data presented today at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) confirm previous findings that ZW25 monotherapy can provide durable disease control in patients with a variety of HER2-expressing solid tumors that have progressed following standard of care therapies, including HER2-targeted agents," said Diana Hausman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Zymeworks. "Notably, the single agent objective response rate in biliary tract cancer is highly encouraging given the poor prognosis and limited treatment options for these patients. We are working closely with regulatory agencies to initiate a registration-enabling Phase 2 trial in second-line HER2‑expressing biliary tract cancer with the goal of bringing ZW25 to patients as quickly as possible."

Based on the data from the ongoing Phase 1 study, Zymeworks has initiated a broad clinical development program for ZW25 in multiple HER2-expressing cancers. In addition to the Phase 2 BTC trial announced today, Zymeworks is continuing to evaluate ZW25 as a potential treatment for patients with other HER2-expressing cancers, including CRC and gynecological cancers (Phase 1; NCT02892123). For patients with HER2-expressing GEA, ZW25 is being developed as a first-line treatment in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (Phase 2; NCT03929666). Zymeworks also plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of ZW25 in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and hormone therapy in third-line HER2-expressing, HR-positive breast cancer.

ZW25 Clinical Results Presented Today
The Safety, Efficacy and Biomarker Results of the HER2-Targeted Bispecific Antibody ZW25 in HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors (Abstract# 3575, Poster Discussion on Saturday, September 28 at 4:30 pm CEST)

Findings from this ongoing Phase 1 study of ZW25 in patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors were last presented at the 2018 EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium. The updated results were presented today by Dr. Funda Meric-Bernstram, M.D., Clinical Investigator and Chair of the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Data were reported from 58 patients diagnosed with HER2-expressing solid tumors other than breast cancer who received ZW25 at the recommended dose of either 10 mg/kg weekly or 20 mg/kg every other week. Patients had a median age of 61 years and received a median of four prior therapies. Thirty-two (55%) patients received prior HER2‑targeted therapies including 87% of GEA patients. Of all patients, 23 were diagnosed with GEA, 13 with CRC, nine with BTC, and 13 with other HER2‑expressing cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and salivary gland.

At the time of data cut-off, 46 of 58 patients were response evaluable. Overall, the majority of patients experienced a decrease in their target lesions with a disease control rate of 72%, comprising 16 (35%) patients with partial responses and 17 (37%) with stable disease. The objective response rate in the six evaluable biliary tract cancer patients was 67%, with the majority of patients experiencing disease control greater than six months. In the 11 CRC and 19 GEA patients, the objective response rates were 36% and 32%, respectively. The overall median progression-free survival was 5.2 months, with 27 (47%) of the 58 total patients still on study at the time of data cut-off.

Among all patients, ZW25 was well tolerated as an outpatient therapy. The most common adverse events were diarrhea, infusion-related reaction, and nausea. All treatment-related adverse events occurring in 10% or more of patients were Grade 1 or 2.

About the Phase 1 Clinical Trial

Zymeworks’ Phase 1 study has three parts. From part one of the study (the dose-escalation phase), the recommended single-agent dose was determined to be 20 mg/kg once every two weeks or 10 mg/kg weekly. In the second part of the study (the cohort expansion phase), additional patients are being enrolled to further assess ZW25’s single-agent tolerability and anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancer types in different settings. The third part of the study (the combination phase) is underway and evaluating ZW25 in combination with selected chemotherapy agents in gastroesophageal and breast cancer patients with HER2 high or lower HER2 expression levels.

About ZW25

ZW25 is being evaluated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials across North America and South Korea. It is a bispecific antibody, based on Zymeworks’ Azymetric platform, that can simultaneously bind two non-overlapping epitopes of HER2, known as biparatopic binding. This unique design results in multiple mechanisms of action including dual HER2 signal blockade, increased binding and removal of HER2 protein from the cell surface, and potent effector function leading to encouraging anti-tumor activity in patients. Zymeworks is developing ZW25 as a HER2-targeted treatment option for patients with any solid tumor that expresses HER2. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to ZW25 for first-line gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma in combination with standard of care chemotherapy and Orphan Drug designation to ZW25 for the treatment of both gastric and ovarian cancers.

ESMO 2019: Forbius Demonstrates Target Engagement in Phase 1 Immuno-Oncology Clinical Trial with AVID200, First-in-Class TGF-beta 1 & 3 Inhibitor

On September 28, 2019 Forbius, a clinical-stage protein engineering company that develops biotherapeutics to treat fibrosis and cancer, reported results from its non-clinical GLP toxicology program with first-in-class selective TGF-beta inhibitor AVID200 and evidence of TGF-beta target engagement in patients treated with this novel immuno-oncology agent at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2019 Annual Congress in Barcelona (Press release, Forbius, SEP 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234539891]).

The presentation detailed for the first time that AVID200 administered at doses of ≥1 mg/kg sequestered its target TGF-beta in patient blood over the entire dosing period.

Key highlights of today’s presentation at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) (#504P):

AVID200 selectively neutralizes TGF-beta 1 & 3 with pM potency in vitro, and increases T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity as well as immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in syngeneic mouse tumor models
AVID200 was well tolerated in 1- and 6-month GLP toxicology studies in non-human primates
AVID200 in patient blood sequestered peripheral TGF-beta over the entire dosing period
A Phase 1a AVID200 monotherapy dose-escalation clinical trial is currently enrolling solid tumor patients (AVID200-03; NCT03834662)
About TGF-beta 1 & 3

TGF-beta 1 & 3 are the main oncogenic TGF-beta isoforms expressed by many solid tumors. They are believed to play a major role in T-cell suppression, fibrosis, and resistance to anti-PD-(L)1 therapies such as nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) (Chakravarthy et al., Nature Comm., 2018; Tauriello et al., Nature, 2018; Mariathasan et al., Nature, 2018).

About AVID200 and the AVID200-03 Trial (NCT03834662)

AVID200 is an isoform-selective and highly potent inhibitor of TGF-beta 1 & 3 undergoing Phase 1 clinical testing in solid tumors and fibrotic diseases. TGF-beta 1 & 3 are the principal disease-driving isoforms, while TGF-beta 2 is responsible for normal cardiac function and hematopoiesis.

AVID200’s selectivity for TGF-beta 1 & 3 was designed to achieve optimal efficacy while circumventing cardiac and other safety issues that have limited the applicability of older-generation, non-selective TGF-beta inhibitors. Therefore, AVID200 is positioned to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic in a variety of clinical settings, including in combination with anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.

AVID200-03 (NCT03834662) is an open label, multicenter, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor effects of AVID200 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumor malignancies.

Bicycle Therapeutics Announces Presentation of Updated Data from Phase I/IIa Trial Evaluating BT1718 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors at ESMO 2019 Annual Congress

On September 28, 2019 Bicycle Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: BCYC), a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycles) product platform, reported the presentation of updated data from a Phase I/IIa trial conducted in collaboration with Cancer Research UK and evaluating BT1718 in an unselected group of patients with advanced solid tumors (Press release, Bicycle Therapeutics, SEP 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234539890]). The results are being presented by Natalie Cook, Ph.D., a study investigator and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, today from 12:00-13:00 CET in a poster session at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2019 Annual Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The poster is available on the Publications section of bicycletherapeutics.com.

"The data being presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) demonstrate encouraging progress of the dose escalation portion of the Phase I/IIa trial evaluating BT1718," said Kevin Lee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Bicycle Therapeutics. "We believe these early data underscore the potential of Bicycles as a novel therapeutic modality and plan to provide additional updates from across our pipeline at medical meetings through the rest of this year."

Patients in the Phase I dose escalation were assessed for anti-tumor activity, safety and pharmacokinetics up to the data cutoff of August 7, 2019. Based on data from patients in cohorts across dose levels tested, many of which are below the predicted therapeutic range, 13 of 24 evaluable patients (54%) had stable disease at the eight-week timepoint, including a patient who experienced a 45% reduction in a target lesion. With once-weekly dosing, which is the expected schedule for the Phase IIa portion of the study, BT1718 has appeared tolerable, with manageable adverse events. The Phase I once-weekly dose escalation portion of the trial is ongoing, with dosing at levels equivalent to those associated with preclinical responses.

Across all dose levels and schedules tested, the most common treatment-related adverse events (>15%, n=28) were anemia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, alanine aminotransferase increase, aspartate aminotransferase increase, blood alkaline phosphatase increase, gamma-glutamyltransferase increase, decreased appetite, lethargy and peripheral neuropathy.

Evaluation of pharmacokinetics demonstrated that BT1718 area under the curve (AUC) was approximately dose proportional over the range 0.6-25 mg/m2, and cycle 2 values were consistent with cycle 1. Mean (±SD) plasma clearance (CLp) was 33.6 (±24.5) L/h, with mean (±SD) volume of distribution (Vss) of 12.5 (±7.3) L, resulting in a terminal half-life (t1/2) of 0.2 to 0.5 hours. Two tumor biopsies were obtained from patients dosed at levels above 15 mg/m2 and analysis showed delivery of DM1 to the tumor consistent with preclinical models. These findings suggest rapid tumor penetration by BT1718. Further plasma and tumor DM1 analysis is ongoing to assess the extent of DM1 retention.

"We are on track to achieve the primary objectives of the Phase I portion of the study," said Udai Banerji, M.D., Ph.D, chief investigator of the study and Deputy Director of the Drug Development Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. "BT1718 represents an exciting potential first-in-class drug, which appears tolerable in Phase I evaluation. Importantly, in two patient biopsies, we observed presence of cytotoxic payload to tumors consistent with targeted delivery and in a manner predicted by our preclinical models."

Nigel Blackburn, Ph.D., Cancer Research UK’s Director of Drug Development, said: "Based on our experience, these early clinical data are very promising and a testament to our strong partnership with Bicycle Therapeutics. We are pleased to help accelerate potentially groundbreaking new therapeutics such as BT1718 into clinical trials. This is an excellent example of the innovative work our Centre of Drug Development can support and is an important step toward helping more people survive cancer."

The Phase I/IIa study of BT1718 is being sponsored by Cancer Research UK. The primary objectives of the Phase I dose escalation portion of the trial are to select the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) by establishing the maximum tolerated dose and maximum administered dose, and to assess the safety and toxicity profile of BT1718 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Following selection of the once-weekly RP2D, the Phase IIa portion of the study, consisting of up to four cohorts in selected indications in which MT1-MMP is expressed, will be initiated.

About BT1718

BT1718 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate being developed by Bicycle Therapeutics that targets Membrane Type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), also known as MMP-14, which has an established role in cell invasion and metastasis, is linked to poor outcomes and is over-expressed in many solid tumors. BT1718 has demonstrated promising target-dependent efficacy in preclinical models, including both cell- and patient-derived xenografts that are resistant to treatment with standards of care. In addition, it shows only a subset of the toxicities typically associated with other highly potent cancer treatments.

GRAIL to Present New Data in Late-Breaking Oral Presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2019 Congress

On September 28, 2019 GRAIL, Inc., a healthcare company focused on the early detection of cancer, reported that new data supporting its technology to detect cancer at early stages with a single blood test will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2019 Congress in Barcelona, Spain (Press release, Grail, SEP 28 https, 2019, ://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190927005539/en/GRAIL-Present-New-Data-Late-Breaking-Oral-Presentation [SID1234539889]).

"Most cancers go undetected until too late, and cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. To address this challenge, we embarked on one of the most ambitious clinical study programs in genomic medicine in support of a novel multi-cancer approach to early cancer detection," said Anne-Renee Hartman, MD, Vice President of Clinical Development at GRAIL. "We are pleased to be presenting new data from our large-scale, rigorous clinical study program that demonstrate the ability of our test to detect more than 20 cancer types across all stages from a single blood draw, and identify where the cancer is located in the body, while minimizing the rate of false positives."

The data are being presented by Geoffrey R. Oxnard, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The presentation slides will be available online at View Source at time of presentation.

GRAIL will also present additional new data from its ongoing studies evaluating its multi-cancer early detection test at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Breakthrough taking place October 11-13, 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ESMO Oral Presentation Details
Abstract LBA77
Geoffrey R. Oxnard, et al. Simultaneous multi-cancer detection and tissue of origin (TOO) localization using targeted bisulfite sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA)
Proffered Paper Session – Translational Research: September 28, 2019: 8:30-10:00 AM CEST, Pamplona Auditorium (Hall 2)

About GRAIL’s Investigational Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test

GRAIL is developing a next-generation sequencing (NGS) blood test for the early detection of multiple deadly cancer types. GRAIL’s high efficiency methylation technology preferentially targets the most informative regions of the genome and is designed to use its proprietary database and machine-learning algorithms to both detect the presence of cancer and identify the tumor’s tissue of origin. GRAIL’s sequencing database of cancer and non-cancer methylation signatures is believed to be the largest of its kind and covers approximately 30 million methylation sites across the genome. More than 20 cancer types across stages are represented within the database.

DNA methylation is a natural process used by cells to regulate gene expression. It is a chemical modification to DNA and a well-studied epigenomic feature of the genome. In cancer, abnormal methylation patterns and the resulting changes in gene expression can contribute to tumor growth. For example, hypermethylation can cause tumor-suppressor genes to be inactivated.

Tagrisso is the only 1st-line treatment for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer to deliver a median overall survival of more than three years

On September 28, 2019 AstraZeneca reported detailed overall survival (OS) results from the Phase III FLAURA trial of Tagrisso (osimertinib) in the 1st-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Press release, AstraZeneca, SEP 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234539887]).

Results showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS, a key secondary endpoint for Tagrisso versus gefitinib or erlotinib, both of which were previous standard-of-care (SoC) treatments in this setting (HR 0.799 [95% CI, 0.641-0.997], p=0.0462).

Tagrisso delivered a median OS of 38.6 months versus 31.8 months for the comparator arm. At three years, 28% of patients in the Tagrisso arm and 9% of patients in the comparator arm remained on 1st-line study treatment. Tagrisso also showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 52% reduction in the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disease progression, increasing the time patients with CNS metastases lived without CNS disease progression or death (HR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.26-0.86], p=0.014).1

The results were presented at the Presidential Symposium of the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) (European Society for Medical Oncology) 2019 Congress in Barcelona, Spain (Abstract #LBA5_PR).

José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D said: "Tagrisso has set a new benchmark in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer by demonstrating a median overall survival of more than three years. We have not before seen survival benefits of this magnitude in any global Phase III trial with any such therapy. The ground-breaking data reaffirm the benefit of using Tagrisso first and further support its use as the 1st-line standard of care in this setting."

Dr Suresh S. Ramalingam, Principal Investigator of the FLAURA trial from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, US, said: "The results of the FLAURA trial provide further evidence to support the role of osimertinib as the preferred 1st-line therapy option for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. It is highly noteworthy that 28% of patients are still being treated with 1st-line osimertinib at three years versus 9% on either gefitinib or erlotinib."

Summary of FLAURA results

Tagrisso

(n=279)

EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)

(gefitinib or erlotinib)

(n=277)

Progression-free survival (PFS) (primary endpoint)i

Median in months

(95% CI)

18.9

(15.2, 21.4)

10.2 months

(9.6, 11.1)

Hazard ratio

(95% CI)

0.46

(0.37, 0.57)

p-value

p < 0.0001

OS (secondary endpoint)i

Hazard ratio

(95% CI)

0.799

(0.641-0.997)

p-value

p = 0.0462ii

Median in months

(95% CI)

38.6

(34.5-41.8)

31.8

(26.6-36.0)

Survival at 12 months

(95% CI)

89.1%

(84.8-92.2)

82.5%

(77.4-86.6)

Survival at 24 months

(95% CI)

74.2%

(68.6-79.0)

58.9%

(52.7-64.6)

Survival at 36 months

(95% CI)

53.7%

(47.5-59.5)

44.1%

(38.0-50.1)

CNS PFS (secondary endpoint)i,1

Hazard ratio

(95% CI)

0.48

(0.26-0.86)

p-value

p = 0.014

Median in months

(95% CI)

Not reached

(16.5-NC)iii

13.9

(8.3-NC)iii

Time to first subsequent therapy or death (TFST) (exploratory endpoint)i

Hazard ratio

(95% CI)

0.48

(0.39-0.58)

Number (%) of patients with events

69.5%

87.4%

Median in months

(95% CI)

25.5

(22.0, 29.1)

13.7

(12.3, 15.7)

Time to second subsequent therapy or death (TSST) (exploratory endpoint)i

Hazard ratio

(95% CI)

0.69

(0.56-0.84)

Number (%) of patients with events

64.5%

73.3%

Median in months

(95% CI)

31.1

(28.8, 35.9)

23.4

(20.0, 25.6)

Patients remaining on initial study treatment

12 months

69.5%

47.3%

24 months

42.3%

16.2%

36 months

28.0%

9.4%

I The data cut-off date was 25 June 2019 (OS, TFST, TSST) and 12 June 2017 (PFS, CNS PFS)

ii Criteria for statistical significance at the final analysis of OS was a p-value of less than 0.0495 (determined by O’Brien- Fleming approach)

iii NC=Not Calculable

In the FLAURA trial, the safety and tolerability of Tagrisso was consistent with its established profile. Tagrisso was generally well tolerated, with Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) occurring in 42% of patients taking Tagrisso versus 47% in the comparator arm. The most common AEs in patients treated with Tagrisso were diarrhoea (60%), rash (59%), nail toxicity (39%), dry skin (38%), stomatitis (29%), fatigue (21%) and decreased appetite (20%). Despite almost twice the length of therapy, fewer patients experienced a grade 3 or higher AE (42% vs. 47%) or discontinued due to AEs (15% vs. 18%).

The FLAURA trial met its primary endpoint in July 2017, showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS, increasing the time patients lived without disease progression or death from any cause.

Tagrisso is currently approved in 78 countries, including the US, Japan, China and the EU, for 1st-line EGFR-mutated (EGFRm) metastatic NSCLC.

About lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths, more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.2 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with 80-85% classified as NSCLC.3 Approximately 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% of patients in Asia have EGFRm NSCLC.4-6 These patients are particularly sensitive to treatment with EGFR-TKIs which block the cell-signalling pathways that drive the growth of tumour cells. Approximately 25% of patients with EGFRm NSCLC have brain metastases at diagnosis, increasing to approximately 40% within two years of diagnosis.7 The presence of brain metastases often reduces median survival to less than eight months.8

About Tagrisso

Tagrisso (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI designed to inhibit both EGFR-sensitising and EGFR T790M-resistance mutations, with clinical activity against CNS metastases. Tagrisso 40mg and 80mg once-daily oral tablets have now received approval in more than 75 countries, including the US, Japan, China and the EU, for 1st-line EGFRm advanced NSCLC, and in more than 85 countries, including the US, Japan, China and the EU, for 2nd-line use in patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Tagrisso is also being developed in the adjuvant setting (ADAURA trial), in the locally-advanced unresectable setting (LAURA), in combination with chemotherapy (FLAURA2) in the metastatic setting, and with potential new medicines to address resistance to EGFR-TKIs (SAVANNAH, ORCHARD).

About FLAURA

The FLAURA trial assessed the efficacy and safety of Tagrisso 80mg orally once daily versus comparator EGFR-TKIs (either gefitinib [250mg orally, once daily] or erlotinib [150mg orally, once daily]) in previously-untreated patients with locally-advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC. The trial was double-blinded and randomised, with 556 patients across 29 countries.

About AstraZeneca in lung cancer

AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and potential new medicines in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of different forms of lung cancer spanning several stages of disease, lines of therapy and modes of action. We aim to address the unmet needs of patients with EGFR-mutated tumours as a genetic driver of disease, which occur in 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and EU and 30-40% of NSCLC patients in Asia, with our approved medicines Iressa (gefitinib) and Tagrisso, and ongoing Phase III trials ADAURA, LAURA and FLAURA2 as well as the Phase II combination trials SAVANNAH and ORCHARD.4-6

Our extensive late-stage Immuno-Oncology programme focuses on lung cancer patients without a targetable genetic mutation which represents approximately three-quarters of all patients with lung cancer.9 Imfinzi (durvalumab), an anti-PDL1 antibody, is in development for patients with advanced disease (Phase III trials POSEIDON, PEARL, and CASPIAN) and for patients in earlier stages of disease including potentially-curative settings (Phase III trials AEGEAN, PACIFIC-2, ADRIATIC, ADJUVANT BR.31, PACIFIC-4, and PACIFIC-5) both as monotherapy and in combination with tremelimumab and/or chemotherapy.

About AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in oncology and offers a quickly-growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives and the Company’s future. With at least six new medicines to be launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, the Company is committed to advance oncology as a key growth driver for AstraZeneca focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers. In addition to AstraZeneca’s main capabilities, the Company is actively pursuing innovative partnerships and investments that accelerate the delivery of our strategy, as illustrated by the investment in Acerta Pharma in haematology.

By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumour Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Antibody Drug Conjugates – and by championing the development of personalised combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.