GSK's Ris‑Rez shows 61pc response rate in early lung cancer study

19th Oct 2026 09:05

(Sharecast News) - Drugmaker GSK reported new early‑stage global data for risvutatug rezetecan (Ris‑Rez), an experimental cancer treatment being tested in patients with relapsed small‑cell lung cancer.

In a phase Ib study, GSK said the drug produced a 61% response rate at the higher 8mg/kg dose, compared with 32% at 6mg/kg. GSK said the results, which will be presented at the ESMO 2026 congress in Madrid, support using the 8mg/kg dose in its ongoing global phase III trial.

The FTSE 100-listed company said the treatment's side‑effect profile was manageable, with most issues linked to blood‑related conditions. More serious side effects occurred in 42% of patients at the higher dose and 15% at the lower dose. One case of interstitial lung disease was reported across 50 patients.

GSK's Hesham Abdullah said: "Today's first global data for Ris-Rez build on the statistically significant overall survival benefit recently reported in Hansoh's pivotal Chinese trial. As the data for Ris-Rez continues to grow, we remain focused on accelerating development in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, where patients often relapse quickly and urgently need more treatment options."

As of 0905 BST, GSK shares were up 0.16% at 1,865.50p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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