Latest Developments in Pharma: Funding Concerns, Promising Cancer Treatments, and Gene Therapy Spotlight

The pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve rapidly, with recent developments spanning from funding challenges to breakthrough treatments. This week's highlights include concerns over cancer research funding, advancements in cancer therapies, and a surprising focus on gene therapy at a major oncology conference.

NCI Funding Cuts Spark Concern Among Oncologists

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has raised alarm over potential budget cuts to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). ASCO CEO Clifford Hudis warned that such cuts would be "devastating to the pace and progress of cancer research in America." The importance of NCI funding was underscored by a recent large-scale study, which demonstrated that adding Tecentriq to standard chemotherapy could halve the risk of disease recurrence or death in certain colon cancer patients.

Dr. Joel Saltzman of the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center emphasized the critical role of federal funding, stating, "A study like this would just not have been feasible without the federal funding from the National Cancer Institute."

Bispecific Antibodies Show Promise in Cancer Treatment

Pfizer's recent $1.25 billion acquisition of 3SBio's bispecific antibody SSGJ-707 has drawn attention at ASCO. The drug, which targets both PD-1 and VEGF proteins, showed promising results in a Phase 2 study for non-small cell lung cancer. With a 10 mg dose, tumor shrinkage was observed in about two-thirds of previously untreated patients whose tumors express PD-L1.

However, the treatment is not without side effects. Nearly all patients experienced some adverse events, with higher doses leading to more severe reactions. Researchers recommend further evaluation of the 10 mg dose, with multiple clinical trials currently underway or planned.

AstraZeneca Showcases Cancer Research Advancements

AstraZeneca has made a significant presence at ASCO, marking its seventh consecutive year with trial data featured in the conference's plenary session. The company is highlighting several developments, including potential advancements in breast cancer treatment. Their drug camizestrant shows promise as a potential replacement for aromatase inhibitors in initial treatment regimens for advanced breast cancer.

The British pharmaceutical giant is also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Tagrisso's initial approval, now ranking among the top 20 most lucrative pharmaceutical products by sales.

Gene Therapy Takes Unexpected Spotlight at Oncology Conference

In an unusual turn, ASCO featured a session on gene therapy, typically not a focus of oncology conferences. Dr. Haydar Frangoul presented on Casgevy, a CRISPR gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease that received U.S. approval in December 2023. The session also included patient testimony and discussions on the potential of gene therapy in oncology.

The presentation highlighted the success of CAR-T cell treatments in leukemia and other cancers, with Kymriah noted as the first gene transfer technology-based therapy approved by the FDA. Looking ahead, research from MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that NK cell therapy could offer safer and more easily produced off-the-shelf options for cancer treatment.