Baxalta receives EU approval for new Oncaspar indication

Baxalta has been granted European regulatory approval for the use of its cancer drug Oncaspar in a new indication.

The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for use of Oncaspar as a combination therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults and paediatric patients from birth to 18 years of age.

Research indicates that up to 85 percent of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients treated with a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen, which may now include Oncaspar, are cured of the disease.

This type of cancer affects the white blood cells and is responsible for up to 80 percent of childhood leukaemia cases, making it the most common type of childhood cancer.

David Meek, executive vice-president and president for oncology at Baxalta, said: "This approval is important as we strive to make a difference in the lives of people living with cancer in all parts of the world."

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Baxalta is to merge with Shire, thereby creating a new industry leader in the field of rare diseases.