Roche cancer treatment gets recommendation

Roche has announced that Tarceva (erlotnib), an orally administered small molecule targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1) pathways, has received a positive recommendation from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Union.

Tarceva has received this recommendation for its use in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer following trials showing a significant survival benefit in patients with the disease.

The compound inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of the HER1 signalling pathway in cells to block the growth of tumour cells.

Phase III clinical trials involving 569 patients showed an improvement in survival rates compared to patients administered solely with gemcitabin.

Eduard Holdener, head of global drug development at Roche, stated that the news would result in a widening of treatment options for metastatic pancreatic cancer that would be welcomed by patients.

“The success of Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy is an important step forward in the struggle against this devastating disease.”

The compound has already been approved for the treatment of advanced forms of pancreatic cancer in 15 countries worldwide.

In July, Roche reported that Tarceva had received a negative CHMP opinion for its use in conjunction with gemcitabine as a first-line advanced pancreatic cancer treatment, while the company then stated that it would consider its options regarding the drug.