Pfizer receives EU approval for RCC drug Inlyta

Pfizer has been granted European regulatory approval for the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) therapy Inlyta, based on positive clinical trial data.

The European Commission has approved the drug as a means of treating advanced RCC patients after failure of prior treatment with sunitinib or a cytokine.

Data from the phase III Axis trial has shown that Inlyta is able to significantly extend progression-free survival rates compared to a leading alternative, making it a potentially important new therapy option.

RCC is the sixth most prominent cause of cancer-related death in the world, with Inlyta joining the likes of Sutent and Torisel in Pfizer's portfolio of treatments for this condition.

Dr Andreas Penk, regional president of Europe for Pfizer's oncology business unit, said: "Pfizer Oncology recognises advanced RCC is a complex disease and we are committed to bringing new targeted medicines to physicians and their patients."

Last week, the company reported positive data from a post-hoc analysis that demonstrates the benefits of its heart failure therapy Inspra in reducing rates of hospitalisation.