Eisai launches thyroid cancer drug Lenvima in the UK

Eisai has announced the UK launch of Lenvima, its new treatment for radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.

The UK-developed drug is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated thyroid carcinoma that has proven refractory to radioactive iodine treatment.

In clinical trials, it has been demonstrated to significantly prolong progression-free survival in patients with this condition when compared to placebo, as well as showing a rapid response rate, with a median time to first objective response of two months.

Though it remains rare, thyroid cancer incidence rates have increased in the UK over the past few decades, with approximately 2,800 new cases diagnosed each year.

Gary Hendler, president and chief executive officer for Eisai in Europe and president of the company's oncology global business unit, said: "Lenvima is a drug that was developed in the UK, will be manufactured in the UK and has now been launched first in the UK, something we at Eisai are very proud of."

Last month, the company announced that its drug Fycompa has received European regulatory approval as an adjunctive treatment for primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures.