Shares in pharmaceutical giant GSK (LON:GSK) gained on positive trial results for two of its new cancer drugs. The company presented the results at the 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Seoul, South Korea.
Positive results for two drugs
In the first trial, the firm’s Jideytro treatment delivered positive results in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. An inpressive 94% of patients experienced a positive response, including 15% who experienced a complete positive response 15 months later.
Progression-free survival was 90% at 12 months, and the treatment produced similarly impressive results in patients with brain tumours. 100% of patients responded positively and 70% acheived a complete clearance of detectable brain tumours.
In the second trial, GSK’s Riz-Rez treatment achieved longer survival in patients with small cell lung cancer, with fewer side effects. Risk of death was reduced by 54% after 12 months compared with a commonly used comparator.
What are the next steps?
In the case of Jideytro, the results will be used to support a supplemental New Drug Application to the US FDA. If successful, the drug could become a first-line treatment in managing long-term cancer control.
In the case of Riz-Rez, which is licensed from China’s Hansoh, further Phase III trials are taking place as part of a global programme. GSK hopes to develop the drug across 40 indications over the next decade or more.
GSK’s main treatments are vaccines for HIV, immune systems, respiratory diseases and flu, along with over-the-counter products. Cancer treatments account for a tiny percentage of group sales, but these new drugs could grow that share.
The group’s biggest market is the US, where it makes 50% of its sales. If Jideytro and Riz-Rez get worldwide approval, as the firm hopes, sales could increase considerably.
Also, GSK recently signed deal to market a cancer drug from Hutchmed (China) (LON:HCM). Therefore it’s not inconceivable that the business could eventually rival that of competitors like Merck (NYSE:MRK).
