GSK oncology research chief Hesham Abdullah told The Wall Street Journal its roughly 15-asset cancer pipeline could nearly double in 2027; oncology product development head Eric Richards told Reuters Phase III studies may near 20.
The estimates measure different things. Abdullah was discussing clinical-stage assets, while Richards' figure counts ongoing studies, not distinct medicines. The comments came in separate interviews rather than a GSK announcement.
GSK said in July that it had 62 assets in clinical development and identified seven for accelerated development across 18 indications in oncology, respiratory, hepatology and vaccines. It also set a goal of starting more than 20 Phase III trials in 2026, up from 10, across its broader portfolio, not oncology alone.
The company reported £1.081 billion in oncology sales in the first half of 2026, a 22% increase from a year earlier at constant exchange rates. GSK completed its acquisition of Nuvalent on July 15, adding three lung cancer assets. The deal's equity value was about $10.6 billion (£8 billion).
Reuters placed the expansion against GSK's earlier exit from oncology, which it said took place more than a decade ago. GSK says its wider portfolio plan is intended to support sales above £40 billion by 2031 and stable-to-improving operating margins during dolutegravir's loss-of-exclusivity period from 2028 through 2030.
For a three-year program to fund late-stage portfolio investment and improve margins, GSK listed £2.4 billion in costs, including £2.1 billion in cash costs, and targets £1.9 billion in annual savings by 2029. The company did not assign those costs specifically to oncology. GSK's third-quarter results are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at 3 a.m. EDT (07:00 GMT).
