GlaxoSmithKline receives EU approval for melanoma drug Mekinist

GlaxoSmithKline has been granted European Commission approval for its drug Mekinist to be used in the treatment of certain populations of metastatic melanoma patients.

The company has received marketing authorisation for the trametinib-based therapy to be commercialised as a single agent for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation.

Mekinist functions by blocking the activity of a protein kinase called MEK, which is present in the MAPK pathway that regulates normal growth and death of cells and plays a role in metastatic melanoma development.

Before taking the drug, patients must have confirmation of a BRAF V600 mutation using a validated test, in order to determine whether or not they will be able to benefit.

Dr Paolo Paoletti, president of oncology at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "MEK has been pursued as a therapeutic target in cancer for more than a decade and Mekinist is the first medicine in this class to be licensed in Europe."

This comes after the company also received EU approval for its drug Arzerra in a new chronic lymphocytic leukaemia indication last week.