Haematology

Taking courageous, science-driven risks

We are bold and fearless in our approach, innovative in our mindset and committed to taking courageous, science-driven risks. Our science-driven, risk-taking strategy is based on the fundamental principle that we do what is right for patients, and that we pursue scientific excellence.

Our robust development programme includes more than 11 company-sponsored clinical trials across multiple B-cell blood cancers, with investigational agents in pre-clinical through Phase III development.³ We encourage scientific exploration with a smart risk-taking process that allows us to adapt and evolve, accelerating programmes that show promise.

The breadth and depth of our pipeline enables us to explore potential synergies between our own molecules and look at combinations with standard of care where the addition of a novel combination partner may help address an unmet medical need.

Delivering meaningful impact on haematology care, shaped by patient insights

Each person impacted by blood cancer, whether they are a patient, caregiver, family member or friend, is another reason our researchers work every day to advance the science in haematology. We’re proud to be part of and to collaborate with the blood cancer community, integrating patient insights at key decision points of development, to help transform healthcare delivery and create new treatment options for those battling blood cancers.

Though we are at the beginning of our ambitious journey in haematology, but through our strategic partnerships, we are advancing the healthcare ecosystem, delivering greater value for patients, healthcare and society. We are proud of the progress we have made in collaboration with the blood cancer community, yet we recognise that there is far more to be done.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a common and complex blood cancer

CLL is the most common type of leukaemia in adults, with an estimated 114,000 new cases globally in 2017, and the number of people living with CLL is expected to grow with improved treatment as patients live longer with the disease.^4,5,6,7

In CLL, cancerous cells crowd the bone marrow leaving less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This can lead to infection, anaemia and bleeding.⁵ When CLL cells are found mostly in the lymph nodes, they are called small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) cells.⁸ The majority of CLL patients have multiple comorbid health conditions, though disease progression and complications are the primary causes of death.⁹

There are treatment options to help manage CLL, however, some patients, including those that are older or have other conditions, may experience serious long-term or late effects from existing therapies.^10,11 For many patients with CLL, the disease may return even after successful treatment.¹² New therapies aim to address these needs for patients with CLL.

CLL is characterised by a variety of molecular abnormalities that are responsible for disease development, progression and transformation.¹³ The presence of certain biomarkers in CLL is increasingly used to inform the best course of treatment.¹⁴ 

As our understanding of CLL advances, we are learning more about the disease’s biomarkers and the valuable role their presence plays in determining a patient’s risk category and in guiding treatment decisions.^13,15

Mantle cell lymphoma: a rare and highly variable cancer

Lymphoma is a blood cancer of the lymphatic system. It is caused by the rapid production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.¹⁶ B cells and T cells are the two types of lymphocytes that can develop into lymphomas.¹⁷ The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).¹⁶ MCL is a rare NHL typically resulting when B-lymphocytes mutate into malignant cells within a region of the lymph node known as the mantle zone.^18,19

MCL is often diagnosed as a late-stage disease after it has spread to the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow.¹⁸ MCL can vary in clinical presentation and aggressiveness. Symptoms may include swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue, though some people have zero to few signs of MCL leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.^17,19

There is no cure for MCL; however, there are treatment options to help manage the disease, and recent treatment advances have improved patient outcomes. Unfortunately, for many patients the disease may return after treatment.²⁰ Additional treatment options are needed for people who relapse or do not respond to treatment.