Pfizer presented new clinical trial data across several cancer types at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual conference in Chicago, according to a June 2 report. The company arrived at the event following a $10.5 billion partnership deal with China’s Innovent Biologics as it seeks to strengthen its oncology pipeline.
The New York-based pharmaceutical company showcased findings from more than 40 abstracts, including three late-breaking presentations and several oral sessions. Data included long-term results for approved drugs and previews of upcoming assets, some developed through international collaborations. "We want to go big and make impact," Johanna Bendell, Pfizer’s chief development officer of oncology, said prior to the conference.
In lung cancer research, updated Phase 3 CROWN trial data showed that patients taking Pfizer's ALK inhibitor Lobrena experienced an 81% reduction in risk of disease progression or death compared to those on Xalkori. Seven-year follow-up indicated a 55% likelihood of being alive without disease progression for Lobrena recipients versus 3% in the control group. "The durability of the benefit is unlike any trial we’ve seen," Sarah Goldberg, chief of thoracic oncology at Yale Cancer Center, said.
Additional results included positive outcomes from colorectal and prostate cancer trials. In metastatic colorectal cancer patients with BRAF V600E mutations, combining Braftovi with FOLFIRI chemotherapy cut risk of progression or death by 56%. For men with HHR-altered metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, adding Talzenna to Xtandi led to a 52% reduction in radiographic progression or death risk compared to placebo plus Xtandi.
Looking ahead, Pfizer unveiled early-stage data for assets intended as successors to drugs facing patent expiration—such as CDK4 inhibitor atirmociclib for breast cancer—and shared updates on bispecific antibody SSGJ-707 (PF’4404) targeting PD-1/VEGF pathways in lung and endometrial cancers. Upcoming readouts include Phase 3 studies evaluating investigational therapies like sigvotatug vedotin for non-small cell lung cancer and mevrometostat plus enzalutamide for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
David Risinger from Leerink Partners said that while this year may not bring major stock-moving announcements from ASCO itself, "the focus is looking forward to the Pfizer readouts ahead." He added that a broad pipeline will be necessary for Pfizer as it approaches multiple patent cliffs.
