Roche receives European approval for Xeloda combination therapy

Roche has been granted regulatory approval in Europe for a new combination therapy which utilises its drug Xeloda as a treatment for colon cancer.

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has ratified Xelox, which combines Xeloda with oxaliplatin as an adjuvant therapy for the disease, following positive results from a phase III clinical trial.

This study showed that patients treated with Xelox following surgery showed superior rates of disease-free survival compared to those on the chemotherapy regimen 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin.

Roche expects that this approval will lead to Xelox receiving ratification from other regulators across the world.

Pascal Soriot, chief operating officer at Roche’s pharmaceutical division, said the EMEA’s decision is “great news for patients, who now have the added benefits and convenience of oral Xeloda in combination therapy for this disease, which is potentially curable if diagnosed and treated promptly”.

Last week, the company expressed confidence that it will be able to grow its business in the medium term after highlighting its portfolio of promising clinical advances, such as the brain disease treatments RG1678 and ocrelizumab.