GSK's ADC Pipeline Shows Promise with Encouraging Data from Hansoh Partnership

GSK's antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline is gaining momentum, with recent data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress in Berlin showcasing promising results from two key assets developed in partnership with Chinese pharmaceutical company Hansoh.

B7-H4-Targeted ADC Demonstrates Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer

GSK5733584 (HS-20089), a B7-H4-targeted ADC, has shown significant potential in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer. In a phase 2 study conducted by Hansoh, the drug achieved a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 48.5% and a disease control rate of 75.8% across 33 patients. These encouraging results have prompted GSK to plan five phase 3 studies for the asset, set to launch in the first half of 2026, focusing on endometrial and ovarian cancers.

B7-H3-Targeted ADC Shows Promise in Sarcoma Treatment

The second ADC, GSK5764227 (HS-20093), targeting B7-H3, has demonstrated efficacy in treating various forms of sarcoma. In a phase 2 study involving 44 evaluable adults and adolescents with osteosarcoma, the drug showed an ORR of 6.7% at 8 mg/kg and 17.2% at 12 mg/kg, with corresponding progression-free survival (PFS) of 4 and 8.4 months, respectively. Notably, in a subgroup of patients with different forms of sarcoma receiving the 12 mg/kg dose, the ORR reached 25% with a PFS of 8.2 months. GSK has recently dosed the first patient in a phase 3 study of this ADC in small cell lung cancer.

GSK's Expanding Oncology Portfolio

Dr. Hesham Abdullah, Global Head of Oncology, Research & Development at GSK, expressed optimism about the company's oncology pipeline, highlighting recent successes and strategic moves. These include the resurgence of multiple myeloma drug Blenrep, a phase 3 win for Jemperli in endometrial cancer, and the acquisition of precision medicine biotech IDRx.

"We have a clinical stage pipeline of 15 clinical-stage [oncology] assets and quite a robust research portfolio—and we're continuing to build," Abdullah stated, emphasizing GSK's commitment to advancing its oncology portfolio.

The pharmaceutical giant secured ex-China rights to these ADCs through licensing deals with Hansoh in 2023, investing a combined total of $270 million upfront. As GSK prepares to unveil its own data for these assets in the latter part of the first half of next year, the company appears poised for significant developments in its oncology division, with Abdullah hinting that the upcoming results will be "in line with our expectations."