Janssen launches prostate cancer drug Zytiga in UK

Janssen has announced the UK launch of Zytiga, its once-daily oral therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

The drug is being released in Britain having been clinically proven for use in combination with prednisolone, among post-chemotherapy prostate cancer patients who are no longer able to benefit from conventional hormonal therapies.

In a phase III trial, results from which were published earlier this year, Zytiga was shown to deliver improved survival rates and pain relief when compared with placebo.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and Scottish Medicines Consortium are now beginning their reviews of the new drug, with decisions expected in 2012.

Dr Heather Payne, consultant clinical oncologist at University College London Hospitals, said: "Historically there have been few treatment options for advanced prostate cancer when it relapses after hormonal therapy and chemotherapy and so this new treatment has the potential to meet a significant unmet need."

Zytiga was given approval for launch by the European Commission earlier this month, following a review of clinical data.