Novartis will showcase new data at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, September 26-30, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. In keeping with the meeting's focus on "Precision Medicine in Cancer Care," Novartis will feature compounds that target specific pathways and molecular markers involved in cancer. The Novartis data include new analyses from the pivotal trial evaluating Zykadia(TM) (ceritinib) in ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), overall survival results from the pivotal trial of the mTOR inhibitor Afinitor® (everolimus) in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), and updated patient management data for Afinitor in advanced breast cancer. In addition, Novartis will present study results on key pipeline compounds, including data for the Hedgehog inhibitor LDE225 (sonidegib) in advanced basal cell carcinoma, the CDK4/6 inhibitor LEE011 and the BRAF inhibitor LGX818 (encorafenib) in melanoma, the MEK inhibitor MEK162 (binimetinib) in NRAS-mutant melanoma, and PI3K inhibitors BKM120 (buparlisib) and BYL719 (alpelisib) in solid tumors.
"At ESMO 2014 we will present new data on key compounds that demonstrate the breadth of the biological markers we target," said Alessandro Riva, MD, Global Head, Novartis Oncology Development and Medical Affairs. "By understanding what drives different cancers to develop and grow, our clinical program has led to the development of precise therapies for patients with the specific genetic profile targeted by these treatments, enabling us to make a difference for people living with these diseases."
More than 30 abstracts involving Novartis compounds will be presented at ESMO 2014.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world.