TokyoJune 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, hereinafter “Eisai”) recently announced that it will present multiple clinical research results from its marketed oncology products and pipeline at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (#ASCO26), held both in person and virtually from May 29 to June 2 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Key data includes results from a real-world study analysis comparing the efficacy of first-line use of Eisai’s self-developed oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) lenvatinib (Lenvima®) versus dabrafenib (BRAF inhibitor) combined with trametinib (MEK inhibitor) in patients with BRAF-mutated differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This poster presentation will share real-world clinical practice data, providing reference for treatment selection in this genetically stratified DTC patient population (Abstract #6052). Currently, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)*1 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Thyroid Cancer list lenvatinib as a preferred first-line category 1 systemic therapy option for progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
“Supported by over a decade of clinical and real-world evidence, lenvatinib continues to play an important role in the treatment of refractory cancers,” said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development, Oncology at Eisai. “At ASCO 2026, Eisai will present new research that further solidifies this foundation and enriches the clinical evidence for lenvatinib in its approved indications, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. This study, along with our ongoing pipeline development, reflects part of our human health care commitment to supporting the people we serve.”
Other studies from Eisai’s pipeline include an online publication highlighting an analysis from a Phase I trial evaluating E7386*3, a CREB-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin interaction inhibitor. This analysis aims to provide reference for cardiac safety assessment in early oncology development (Abstract #e24005).
This press release discusses investigational uses of trial compounds and FDA-approved products, and does not draw conclusions regarding efficacy or safety. There is no guarantee that any investigational use of trial compounds or FDA-approved products will successfully complete clinical development or gain FDA approval.
Eisai’s complete presentation lineup is as follows. These abstracts were released via the ASCO website on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT.
|
Cancer Type |
Study / |
Abstract Title |
Abstract Type & Details |
|
Lenvatinib |
|||
|
Thyroid Cancer |
Real-World |
First-Line Lenvatinib vs. Dabrafenib |
Poster Session Abstract #6052 May 30, 2026 2:30-5:30 PM EDT / 1:30- 4:30 PM CDT |
|
Lenvatinib + Pembrolizumab |
|||
|
Genitourinary |
CLEAR Trial |
Efficacy Outcomes by Progression |
Poster Session Abstract #4527 May 31, 2026 10:00 AM-1:00 PM EDT / 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT |
|
Pipeline |
|||
|
Pan-Tumor |
E7386 |
Cardiac Safety Assessment Using |
Online Publication Abstract #E24005 |
The following presentations include studies sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, utilizing lenvatinib.
|
Cancer Type |
Study |
Abstract Title |
Abstract Type & Details |
|
Lung Cancer |
KEYNOTE |
Biomarker-Directed Randomized |
Poster Session Abstract #8584 May 31, 2026 10:00 AM-1:00 PM EDT / 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT |
|
Genitourinary |
KEYNOTE |
Phase Ib/II Study of Pembrolizumab |
Poster Session Abstract #5055 May 31, 2026 10:00 AM-1:00 PM EDT / 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT |
In March 2018, Eisai entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, through its affiliate, for the global co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib, including as monotherapy and in combination with Merck’s PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab. In the United States, the European Union, Japan, and other countries/regions, KEYTRUDA in combination with LENVIMA is approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and certain types of advanced endometrial carcinoma. Lenvatinib is approved under the brand name KISPLYX® in the European Union for the treatment of advanced RCC.
The following report includes a study sponsored by Nuvation Bio Inc. (Headquarters: New York, hereinafter “Nuvation Bio”) on taletrectinib.
|
Cancer Type |
Study Name |
Abstract Title |
Abstract Type & Details |
|
Lung Cancer |
TRUST-II |
Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) |
Poster Session Abstract #8629 May 31, 2026 10:00 AM-1:00 PM EDT / 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT |
In January 2026, we obtained exclusive rights from Nuvation Bio to develop, register, and commercialize taletrectinib in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Turkey, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Taletrectinib is a next-generation ROS1 inhibitor for the treatment of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Following the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in March 2026, the application was validated and entered the standard review process. Subsequent filings are planned in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other territories authorized by Eisai.
The following report includes a study sponsored by Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (Headquarters: Shanghai, hereinafter “Henlius”) on serplulimab.
|
Cancer Type |
Compound |
Abstract Title |
Abstract Type & Details |
|
Gastric Cancer |
Serplulimab |
Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant Serplulimab |
Rapid Oral Abstract Session Abstract #4009 June 1, 2026 2:15 PM-2:21 PM EDT/ 1:15 PM-1:21 PM CDT |
In February 2026, we obtained exclusive rights from Henlius to commercialize serplulimab, a novel anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, in Japan. In Japan, Henlius is currently conducting a Phase II bridging clinical trial for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and plans to submit a marketing authorization application during Eisai’s fiscal year 2026, based on the results of this trial and Phase III clinical trial data supporting the approval of this indication in China and Europe.
(Editor’s Note)
1. Eisai’s Focus in Oncology
Eisai has designated oncology as a key strategic area, aiming to contribute to the cure of cancer by discovering innovative drugs with new targets and mechanisms of action through its Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL) drug discovery system.
By utilizing biomarker data obtained from our products to analyze cancer pathogenesis, underlying causes, and resistance mechanisms, and leveraging the group’s precision chemistry technologies, we aim to transform undruggable therapeutic targets into druggable ones, creating new core therapeutic drugs.
*1 NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding its content, use or application, and disclaims any responsibility for its application or use in any way.
*2 KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
*3 E7386 is being developed in collaboration with PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanagawa).
