Eisai Co., Ltd. has announced its participation in the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, presenting significant findings from its oncology portfolio. The meeting is being held in Chicago, Illinois, and online from May 29 to June 2.
Among the notable presentations is a real-world evidence analysis comparing first-line lenvatinib, an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAF-mutated differentiated thyroid cancer. This study aims to inform treatment considerations for this specific subset of thyroid cancer patients.
Lenvatinib is recommended as a preferred Category 1 systemic therapy for progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Thyroid Carcinoma.
Another key presentation includes an analysis from the pivotal Phase 3 CLEAR study, evaluating efficacy outcomes in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who received lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib. These findings further support the role of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President and Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai Inc., emphasized the importance of lenvatinib in treating difficult cancers, highlighting the new research presented at ASCO 2026 as a reinforcement of its clinical foundation.
Additionally, Eisai is showcasing research on E7386, a CREB-binding protein/β-catenin interaction inhibitor, focusing on cardiac safety assessments in early-stage oncology development. This research is part of Eisai's commitment to advancing its oncology pipeline.
Eisai's strategic collaboration with MSD, which began in 2018, continues to drive the co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab. This partnership has led to approvals for the combination therapy in multiple regions, including the U.S., EU, and Japan.
Further expanding its oncology portfolio, Eisai acquired exclusive rights to taletrectinib from Nuvation Bio Inc. in January 2026. Taletrectinib is a next-generation ROS1 inhibitor for treating ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with regulatory filings underway in various regions.
In February 2026, Eisai also secured exclusive commercialization rights for serplulimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, from Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. in Japan. This acquisition is part of Eisai's strategy to enhance its oncology offerings in key markets.