OREANDA-NEWS. May 15, 2015. Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) today announced the presentation of new data from its growing oncology portfolio at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) from May 29 - June 2, 2015 in Chicago, Ill.

Phase III Results on Myelofibrosis to be Presented in a Late-Breaking Session
Full Phase III results of the investigational treatment pacritinib for myelofibrosis will be featured in an ASCO press briefing (Saturday, May 30, 8-9 a.m. CT) and in a late-breaking oral presentation (Saturday, May 30, 2:37 p.m. CT; abstract # LBA7006). This presentation follows the announcement of the topline results from the study in March 2015.

Data presented at ASCO will provide more details on the findings of the PERSIST-1 study, including primary and secondary endpoints. Pacritinib is a multikinase inhibitor with specificity for JAK2 and FLT3 being evaluated for the treatment of myelofibrosis, a chronic malignant bone marrow disorder that promotes abnormal blood cell production. Patients with this condition have limited treatment options, particularly those with low platelet counts as a result of their disease or a side effect from their current treatment, and urgently need novel therapies to increase survival and improve quality of life. Pacritinib is being jointly developed by CTI BioPharma Corp. and Baxter BioScience.

"We look forward to engaging with the oncology community during ASCO on our expanding pipeline of treatments targeting multiple and complex cancer pathways, with the goal of introducing advanced therapies that can provide benefit to patients who are battling challenging cancers such as myelofibrosis," said Salim Yazji, M.D., vice president and global therapeutic head of oncology at Baxter BioScience.

Early Stage Data on Imalumab Focus on Need in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Additional data from Baxter BioScience at ASCO includes a summary of the early stage research on imalumab (BAX069) being evaluated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Two posters will feature early-stage results – one including a first-in-human, Phase I study in advanced solid tumors (Saturday, May 30, 8-11:30 a.m. CT; abstract #2518) and a second trial-in-progress poster of a Phase Ib/IIa proof-of-concept study (Monday, June 1, 8-11:30 a.m. CT; abstract #TPS3633).

"Our presence at ASCO this year reflects our focus on transforming promising molecules into life-changing therapies, particularly those with the potential to become standard of care, best in class or first in class for patients with limited options," said David Meek, head of oncology for Baxter BioScience. "Particularly with our recent announcement of plans to acquire a commercial leukemia product portfolio, we are rapidly growing our oncology presence through external innovation."

About Baxter BioScience in Oncology
Baxter Bioscience is committed to transforming promising molecules into life-changing therapies for cancer patients with limited options. In direct answer to the global need for more new therapies in both blood cancers and solid tumors, we are building a targeted pipeline that focuses on external innovation as a core driver of growth. Partnering with cutting-edge R&D companies in the oncology community enables us to access transformational science and develop a diversified portfolio of new oncology therapies.

About Baxter International Inc.
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.