AstraZeneca’s Arimidex indication welcomed

Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the breast cancer charity, has welcomed the new indication given for Arimidex, the AstraZeneca breast cancer drug.

Arimidex, classified as an antioestrogen aromatase inhibitor, was originally approved for post-operative therapy in patients newly diagnosed with the disease. The new indication means that women in the EU Mutual Recognition markets – which includes the UK – will now be able to switch from using tamoxifen to Arimidex.

The new indication is based on clinical evidence from three trials, which demonstrated that a woman’s likelihood of surviving cancer-free is significantly improved by switching to Arimidex after using tamoxifen for two or three years.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, head of policy at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, remarked: “This additional treatment option will be welcome news for postmenopausal women who have already been receiving hormonal therapy with tamoxifen for two to three years.

“Tamoxifen has already made a big impact, but the introduction of aromatase inhibitors is a further step forward in reducing the risk of breast cancer returning.”

She concluded: “Any woman concerned about their treatment for breast cancer should discuss it with their doctor.”

Arimidex is AstraZeneca’s best-selling cancer drug, bringing in sales of $1.2 billion in 2005. Tamoxifen, originally an ICI drug then inherited by AstraZeneca, is the world’s largest-selling breast cancer treatment. It has accumulated over 10 million patient years of use, used for the treatment of early and advanced breast cancer in pre- and post-menopausal women.

The drug is now widely available in generic form, which prompted AstraZeneca to withdraw the tamoxifen brand name, Nolvadex, from the US markets.

Both Arimidex and tamoxifen are prescribed in tablet form.

© Adfero Ltd