GSK to nearly double cancer drugs in trials next year, WSJ reports (updated)

GSK

Today 08:35

Adds details from report and background throughout
Oct 27 (Reuters) - GSK GSK.L expects to nearly double the number of cancer medicines it is testing in clinical trials next year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing an interview with a scientist at the British drugmaker.
Hesham Abdullah, GSK's head of oncology research and development, told the WSJ that the company's clinical-stage portfolio of about 15 assets is likely to come close to doubling in 2027 
According to the report, Abdullah said GSK could have 19 to 20 late-stage oncology studies underway next year, with drug candidates being moved straight from early-stage to late-stage studies to speed development 
GSK did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
The drugmaker's oncology push is part of CEO Luke Miels' effort to reassure investors that GSK can navigate a looming patent cliff for its blockbuster HIV drugs
In July, GSK said it expected to have more than 20 late-stage studies by the end of 2026, with three of the seven drugs identified for faster development being cancer medicines
The company is rebuilding its oncology portfolio after exiting the space more than a decade ago, with cancer drugs such as ris-rez and mo-rez at the centre of its strategy
Its oncology segment contributed £1.08 billion ($1.44 billion) in the first half of 2026.

($1 = 0.7505 pounds)

 (Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair and Janane Venkatraman)
 ((RaechelThankam.Job@thomsonreuters.com;))