ASCO: AstraZeneca updates on immuno-oncology combo program

Anglo-Swedish pharma major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) and its biologics R&D subsidiary MedImmune, yesterday provided an update on the progress of their combination-focused immuno-oncology pipeline at an investor science event at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

Commenting on the company’s immuno-oncology combination data presented at ASCO, chief executive Pascal Soriot said: “Immuno-oncology has continued to take center stage at ASCO this year, as we see more evidence of the significance of this approach for patients. At AstraZeneca we have been clear in our belief that combinations hold the key to transforming clinical practice for the patients not benefiting from the currently-available immunotherapies.”

He continued: “The data presented on the combination of MEDI4736 and tremelimumab are truly exciting. As the frontrunner combination of two immuno-oncology molecules in non-small cell lung cancer, it is demonstrating promising clinical activity, in particular in the majority of patients who have low or no PD-L1 expression. With our longstanding expertise in developing highly effective small-molecule medicines, including Lynparza [olaparib] and AZD9291, we are now also seeing the potential of combining these targeted medicines with immuno-oncology molecules to deliver efficacious and durable treatment to patients.”