AstraZeneca says CHMP opinion is positive step

AstraZeneca has stated a recent decision by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) is an important step to helping cancer patients.

The advisory committee of the European Medicines Agency has issued a positive opinion of Iressa.

It blocks the growth and spread of tumours by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase enzyme in the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The CHMP has recommended it should be approved for adults with metastatic or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Executive vice-president for development at the company Anders Ekblom said the organisation’s opinion supports the firm’s healthcare strategy.

“If Iressa is approved, for the first time patients with these types of tumours will have a better alternative to chemotherapy as a first-line treatment,” he remarked.

Mr Exblom concluded the recommendation is a significant milestone towards addressing the unmet needs of sufferers of the disease in Europe.

This week, the Food and Drug Administration asserted it needed more time to complete the review of the new drug application for Onglyza.

The drug, which has been developed with AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb, is intended to aid patients with type 2 diabetes.