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Home Industry News Pharmaceutical AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso Approved for New Lung Cancer Treatment in Europe
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AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso Approved for New Lung Cancer Treatment in Europe

2nd January 2025

AstraZeneca’s breakthrough drug, Tagrisso (osimertinib), has received approval from the European Commission to treat a specific subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Focusing on tumours with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations, this approval marks a significant development for those battling locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC. This move aims to provide a new standard of care and improve outcomes for thousands of patients in Europe.

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in Europe, with more than 450,000 diagnoses annually. NSCLC accounts for a staggering 85% of these cases, and approximately 15% of NSCLC patients possess EGFR mutations, which are particularly responsive to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Tagrisso. The drug was backed by the positive outcomes of the LAURA trial, showcasing an 84% reduction in disease progression or death compared to placebo. This approval bolsters AstraZeneca’s position in the oncology sector, offering renewed hope to patients who often face early progression following chemoradiation therapy. Dave Fredrickson, executive vice president of AstraZeneca’s oncology division, emphasised the importance of timely EGFR testing and Tagrisso’s role as a cornerstone therapy in treating EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

The European Commission’s nod to Tagrisso delivers a promising new treatment pathway for countless NSCLC patients across Europe. Building on prior successes and expanding its application, AstraZeneca continues to lead advancements in targeted cancer therapies, setting a new benchmark for care in EGFR-mutated lung cancer. This development underscores the necessity for continued innovation and precise diagnostics in the fight against cancer.

Contact Marcus for more details. 

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