Oncology
Our strategic objective
We aim to build on our position as a world leader in cancer treatment through continued growth of Arimidex, further launches and line extensions of newer products, such as Faslodex, and the successful introduction of novel therapeutic approaches currently in development, including both small molecule and biological drugs, targeted at high unmet need.
- Arimidex sales up 4% to $1.86 billion and is the leading branded hormonal breast cancer therapy in the US, Japan and France.
- Casodex sales $1.26 billion, down 12%. Expiry of EU marketing exclusivity in 2008.
- Zoladex sales $1.14 billion, down 3%.
- Results from three Phase III Zactima trials in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed that Zactima, in combination with standard chemotherapy, brings clinical benefits to patients with previously treated NSCLC.
- Results from the Iressa Phase III INTEREST study underpin a marketing authorisation application in the EU and the pan-Asian IPASS study met its primary objective showing superior progression-free survival for Iressa compared with two chemotherapies in clinically selected patients.
- ZD4054 progressed into Phase III development for hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
- Registration trials ongoing of Recentin in first line colorectal cancer and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.
Arimidex (anastrozole) is an aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer.
Casodex (bicalutamide) is an anti-androgen therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Zoladex (goserelin acetate implant), in one- and three-month depots, is an LHRH agonist for the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer and certain benign gynaecological disorders.
Iressa (gefitinib) is an EGFR-TKI that acts to block signals for cancer cell growth and survival in non-small cell lung cancer.
Faslodex (fulvestrant) is an injectable oestrogen receptor antagonist for the treatment of breast cancer, with no known agonist effects, that down-regulates the oestrogen receptor.
Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) remains a widely prescribed breast cancer treatment outside the US.
Ethyol (amifostine) is used to help prevent certain side effects of specific types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy that are used to treat head and neck and ovarian cancer.
Abraxane® (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) for the treatment of breast cancer1.
1 In November 2008, we entered into an agreement with Abraxis under which Abraxis re-acquired exclusive rights to market Abraxane® in the US.
THERAPY AREA WORLD MARKET (MAT/Q3/08)
The world market value for cancer therapies is $46 billion and is growing strongly.
An increasing number of large pharmaceutical companies as well as biotechs have a stated ambition to build their business in oncology. In the last several years there has been a substantial increase of clinical trial activity across all the major tumours and sub-types increasing pressure on innovator companies to deliver best in class or first in class therapies. According to IMS, value growth in oncology will continue at double digit compound annual growth rates. This is well above growth rates for other therapy areas which makes oncology, despite market pressures, an attractive area for investment.
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