GlaxoSmithKline (LON:GSK) is hanging its future on 40 new drugs, 80% of which it says have the potential to be “first–in-class”.
In a research day in New York, the UK pharma giant said it may file up to 20 treatments with regulators before 2020.
Seven of these assets are in advanced late-stage development with the remainder at an earlier stage.
Key developments will be in the areas of oncology, immuno-inflammation and respiratory disease, it said.
Between 2021-2025 Glaxo expects to have another 20 drugs in clinical development, while next year will see it start phase II work on 30 new molecular entities (NMEs) and product line extensions (PLEs), with 20 entering the phase III stage.
Sir Andrew Witty, chief executive, said the 40 products would support future growth in both its pharmaceuticals and vaccines businesses.
“Several of these assets are in advanced late-stage development and, for the first time, we have also outlined the scale of new opportunities GSK has in earlier stages of development, notably in areas such as oncology and immuno-inflammation.
"The level of innovation in this portfolio is substantial.
“We believe this is critical in today's operating environment as payors look to balance pressures of pricing and demand.”
Glaxo has focused its R&D efforts on HIV & Infectious diseases, Oncology, Immuno-Inflammation, Vaccines, Respiratory and Rare Diseases.
M&A has been rife in the pharma sector in the past two years and the FT ran a story this morning that Pfizer had made an approach to Glaxo before agreeing to merge with rival Allergan last week.
The paper said a cool response from Glaxo encouraged the US giant to look elsewhere.
Shares in the UK company eased in London 1% to 1,386p.