Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) continues to showcase potential practice-changing research and next-generation candidates across its robust Oncology portfolio at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, being held September 13-17 in Barcelona. Data from more than 50 company-sponsored, investigator-sponsored and collaborative research abstracts, including more than 10 oral and mini-oral presentations, will be presented across the company’s tumor areas and core scientific modalities, as well as a potential treatment for a cancer-related condition.
“At this year’s ESMO, we are looking forward to demonstrating our progress toward delivering next-generation biologics and novel combinations that have the potential to be new standards of care for patients,” said Chris Boshoff, Chief Oncology Officer and Executive Vice President, Pfizer. “Our key data presentations highlight our scientific leadership in developing targeted therapies, including small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates, across our core tumor areas, including breast, bladder and thoracic cancers.”
“At ESMO, Pfizer will share important data highlighting our commitment to transforming outcomes for patients living with lung cancer, including longer-term follow-up results from the BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI PHAROS study in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer,” said Karin Tollefson, Chief Oncology Medical Officer, Pfizer. “We are also looking forward to sharing progress on our industry-leading pipeline of new molecules, including encouraging early results for two novel, investigational antibody-drug conjugates and preliminary data on a novel combination of Pfizer’s next-generation CDK inhibitors.”
Key research includes a late-breaking presentation of updated results from the pivotal Phase 2 PHAROS* study of BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) + MEKTOVI (binimetinib) in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). Longer-term efficacy and safety data will be presented, following the initial primary overall response results (ORR) that supported the FDA approval for BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI in this indication in 2023 and the recent approval by the European Commission in August 2024. Further, Pfizer will share updated data from the safety lead-in of the ongoing Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial, showing antitumor activity of BRAFTOVI + cetuximab + FOLFIRI in patients with untreated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in a mini-oral presentation.
Additionally, Pfizer will present a late-breaking Proffered Paper Presentation on the Phase 2 efficacy and safety results for its GDF-15 inhibitor, ponsegromab, in patients with cancer-associated cachexia, highlighting the company’s commitment to improving the treatment journey for people living with cancer. Cancer cachexia is a common, life-threatening wasting condition characterized by severe weight loss. The condition affects patients with advanced cancers and can greatly impact a patient’s ability to tolerate cancer treatment and quality of life. Despite its severity, there are no FDA-approved treatments for cachexia. (1,2)
Pfizer will also present early clinical-stage research for a number of priority pipeline areas, including encouraging Phase 1 results of the potential first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate SGN-PDL1V (PF-08046054) in NSCLC and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); initial data for the investigational ADC disitamab vedotin in combination with KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC); and the first data combining atirmociclib, our highly-selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (CDK4i), with a novel CDK2 inhibitor (CDK2i) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) from a Phase 1 dose-escalation study.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecules, bispecific antibodies and other immunotherapy biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world’s most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs that help people with cancer globally live better and longer lives.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.
1. Cleveland Clinic. Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome). Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org) . Accessed September 3, 2024.
2. Lisa Martin, Michael B. Sawyer, Cancer Cachexia: Emerging Preclinical Evidence and the Pathway Forward to Clinical Trials, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute , Volume 107, Issue 12, December 2015, djv322, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djv322
