GSK Reports Positive Interim Data for Jemperli in Mid-stage Rectal Cancer Trial

02:32 AM EDT, 07/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- GSK (GSK.L) said Monday the phase 2 Azur-1 trial met its primary objective after Jemperli demonstrated sustained clinical complete responses in patients with stage II/III mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite instability-high locally advanced rectal cancer. An interim analysis showed that a "clinically significant rate" of patients treated with Jemperli, or dostarlimab, had no detectable cancer signs one year or more post-treatment. The safety and tolerability profile of the immunotherapy also aligned with the manageable safety profile seen in solid tumors. The positive interim results will be submitted to global regulators to aid Jemperli's review, including an accelerated evaluation in the US for rectal cancer. If approved, Jemperli will be the first immunotherapy to eliminate or defer the use of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for certain cancer patients.