GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK), a prominent pharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $67.35 billion and currently trading near its 52-week low, today disclosed positive outcomes from its phase III FIRST trial, which evaluated the efficacy of Zejula (niraparib) and Jemperli (dostarlimab) in treating advanced ovarian cancer.
According to InvestingPro analysis, GSK appears undervalued at current levels, suggesting potential upside for investors interested in healthcare stocks. The trial met its primary endpoint by showing a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) when dostarlimab was added to standard chemotherapy and niraparib maintenance, with or without bevacizumab.
The trial, sponsored by GSK and led by the French cooperative group GINECO, involved patients with stage III or IV nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer. Participants were initially assigned to one of three groups, with two groups continuing after changes due to the approval of PARP inhibitors for first-line treatment.
The primary focus was on PFS, with overall survival (OS) as a key secondary endpoint. Although the OS did not reach statistical significance, further analyses are underway, and the results are expected to be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting. The company's strong financial health score of "GREAT" on InvestingPro, along with its impressive 72.39% gross profit margin, demonstrates its capacity to invest in crucial research and development initiatives.
The safety profile of the combination therapy was consistent with the known profiles of the individual drugs. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women globally, with a high rate of recurrence after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Approximately 85% of patients will experience disease recurrence, and once it recurs, it is rarely curable.
The FIRST trial is part of GSK's commitment to oncology, focusing on immuno-oncology-based research and development. Jemperli, a PD-1-blocking antibody, is central to GSK's research in gynecologic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Zejula is a PARP inhibitor used for maintenance treatment in various ovarian cancer settings.
In addition, GSK's cancer drug GSK'227 has been granted PRIME status by the EMA, and the company's drug Jemperli received a positive CHMP opinion for endometrial cancer. These are significant developments in GSK's oncology efforts.
Moreover, GSK has extended its vaccine collaboration with Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd in China until 2034, focusing on the commercialization of its shingles vaccine, Shingrix. Furthermore, GSK's respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, Arexvy, received extended approval in Japan for adults aged 50-59.
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