GSK Enters Oncology Market with Jemperli and Zejula Therapies for Gynaecological Cancers

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals has entered the oncology segment in India, introducing advanced therapies for gynaecological cancers. The company has launched Jemperli (dostarlimab) and Zejula (niraparib) to address the critical unmet need in gynaecological cancers. These therapies are expected to strengthen GSK's long-term commitment to build the specialty medicine portfolio in India. Gynaecological cancers are among the most common cancers in women in India, with projected increases in incidence by 2045.

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) has made a significant entry into the oncology segment in India with the launch of Jemperli (dostarlimab) and Zejula (niraparib) therapies for gynaecological cancers. The company announced the availability of these advanced therapies on Monday, August 25, 2023 [1].

Jemperli is the first and only approved programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy for the second-line treatment of mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in India. It works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, enabling immune cells to recognize and attack the tumor more effectively [2]. The therapy's efficacy is supported by scientific evidence from the GARNET trial, demonstrating an objective response rate of 45.5% and an estimated probability of maintained response of 93.3% at 12 months [3].

Zejula is the only PARP (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitor approved as first-line monotherapy maintenance for all biomarker types in advanced ovarian cancer in India. It offers a once-daily oral dose, making it a convenient option for patients. The updated ad-hoc analysis of the phase-3 PRIMA trial demonstrated that Zejula provided durable, long-term remission in women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer [4].

To support patient access to these innovative therapies, GSK is introducing 'Phoenix', a Patient Support Program. Bhushan Akshikar, Managing Director, GSK India, emphasized that these therapies address a critical unmet need in gynaecological cancers and represent meaningful progress in women's cancer care [5].

The launch of Jemperli and Zejula marks a pivotal moment for GSK in India, strengthening its long-term commitment to building a specialty medicine portfolio. Gynaecological cancers represent a growing public health challenge in India, especially among women above the age of 50 and those with obesity and metabolic syndrome [6].

GSK shares were up 1% at ₹2,828.5 apiece around 12 pm on Monday, August 25, 2023, following the announcement [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/gsk-share-price-gain-oncology-jemperli-zejula-therapies-cancer-treatement-19658703.htm
[2] https://mediabrief.com/gsk-forays-into-oncology-in-india/
[3] Oaknin A, et al. Safety, Efficacy, and Biomarker Analyses of Dostarlimab in Patients with Endometrial Cancer: Interim Results of the Phase I GARNET Study. Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Nov 14;29(22):4564-4574
[4] Ref: DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.04.024
[5] https://mediabrief.com/gsk-forays-into-oncology-in-india/
[6] https://gco.iarc.fr/today/en/dataviz/bars?mode=cancer&populations=356&cancers=40&multiple_populations=0&sexes=2