Amgen’s Vecitbix receives EU approval in new indications

Amgen has welcomed the decision of the European Commission to approve its drug Vectibix in expanded indications.

The oncology agent has been ratified for the treatment of patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer in first-line in combination with Folfox.

Additionally, it is now approved as a second-line treatment in combination with Folfiri among patients who have received first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.

Previously, the drug had conditional approval as a monotherapy, with the latest decision based on positive data from phase III clinical trials.

Dr Willard Dere, senior vice-president and international chief medical officer at Amgen, said: "This is a significant milestone for Amgen and highlights our commitment to deliver medicines that make a real difference to the lives of patients."

This comes after Amgen and partner Pfizer earlier this month announced positive new data from a clinical study called Preserve, showing the efficacy of their drug Enbrel against moderately active rheumatoid arthritis.