Despite the recent news of a setback for Pfizer Inc.'s development of Bavencio (avelumab) in lung cancer, the drug giant's strategy of focusing on an unmet need allowed it to get to market in some capacity and will give it a test run with physicians and payers before moving into the larger markets.
Pfizer's Avelumab Makes Its Debut, In Rare Form Of Skin Cancer
Pfizer got Bavencio to market by focusing on an unmet need, but the PD-L1 inhibitor is still a few years behind, competing with other checkpoint inhibitors over more valuable indications.
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AstraZeneca remains committed to investing in R&D and alliances in China, where Susan Galbraith, the UK major’s head of oncology R&D, sees innovation eventually reaching parity with the US and Europe.