In 2020, lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in Europe, and was associated with 384,000 deaths. [1]
At Janssen Oncology EMEA, we are precisely focused on mastering the areas where we can make the most meaningful difference. We are dedicated to developing targeted, innovative therapies for lung cancer that transform outcomes, improving patients' quality of life and increasing survival rates.
Targeting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with purpose
At Janssen Oncology, we’re concentrating on developing targeted therapies for patients whose treatment options are limited and who tend to have poor outcomes. Specifically, we are working on addressing the need for targeted therapies that address specific subtypes of lung cancer, particularly for people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers.[1][2][3]
The five-year NSCLC survival rate is 24%[3] and targeted therapies can help people with NSCLC live longer, with a better quality of life.[4] NSCLC can be driven by a range of different mutations, with different characteristics.[5] The EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene is one of those affected by these mutations.[2][6]
EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are a specific subtype of EGFR mutation. These mutations are an uncommon form of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, and are known to be associated with poor survival outcomes.[7]
More effective, targeted, and tolerable therapies for patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are urgently required, as treatment options are generally limited to chemotherapy. [8][9][10]
An overview of Exon 20 insertion mutations
Lung cancer in numbers
NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 84% of all lung cancer diagnoses.[3]
To date, only one targeted therapy has been approved by the European Medicines Agency specifically for NSCLC patients with lung cancer who have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations.[16]
Typically, EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are associated with poor survival rates. The estimated overall survival for these patients is 16 months.[7]
EGFR mutations, including exon 20 insertions, are particularly prevalent in women, non-smokers, those of Asian ethnicity and cancers with adenocarcinoma histology.[7]
“Not only is lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death, but it also carries a high symptom burden with associated lowered quality of life. At Janssen, we are committed to developing innovative targeted therapies that address the unmet needs for specific types of lung cancer, such as those with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer, hoping to improve patients’ quality of life and survival rates.”
Martin Vogel
EMEA, THERAPEUTIC AREA LEAD ONCOLOGY, JANSSEN EUROPE, MIDDLES EAST & AFRICA
We collaborate to innovate
Underpinned by the scale and success of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Oncology is a growing force in oncology. Nevertheless, we know that change can only come through collaboration. We invest our time, expertise and resources and partner with experts to unlock the potential around us, all in pursuit of better outcomes for patients and their families.
Johnson & Johnson is uniquely positioned as a company that spans the entire spectrum of human health: medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. As the most broadly-based healthcare company in the world, we partner with external companies across all parts of our business.
One such partnership scheme is our Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI), which aims to improve outcomes in lung cancer for patients in Europe and beyond. By developing partnerships and innovation, we can address the current challenges that face lung cancer patients across the world.
The initiative is being expanded to the EMEA region, with the same goal of finding better ways to screen, prevent and intercept lung cancer. We’ll be providing further information on our progress in EMEA soon.
