GlaxoSmithKline launches new RCC treatment

GlaxoSmithKline has launched Votrient, a new therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after being granted a conditional licence by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

The new orally-administered drug is specified as a first-line treatment for sufferers of the potentially fatal malignancy, or for patients who have previously received cytokine therapy for advanced disease

It was ratified by the EMEA after demonstrating its efficacy in these applications in a phase III clinical trial, during which the treatment was shown to offer significant benefits compared to placebo.

Professor Robert Hawkins, consultant medical oncologist at The Christie, Manchester, welcomed the approval of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based treatment, as such therapies are often associated with a range of side effects.

He added: “Votrient provides clinicians with a welcome alternative option that may not present the same adverse event burden.”

Earlier this week, GlaxoSmithKline announced a new collaboration with Genmab to develop ofatumumab, a new treatment for autoimmune and oncology indications.