Schering-Plough’s brain tumour drug approved

Schering-Plough has received approval for a drug to treat some forms of primary brain tumours from the European Commission.

The intravenous formulation of temozolomide, which will be marketed as Temodar, will be used in combination with radiotherapy for patients who have been newly diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme.

In November 2008, the European Medicines Agency passed a positive opinion on the treatment and it is this that the recent decision was based on.

Dr Robert J Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice-president of Schering-Plough research institute, explained the drug is a “well recognised, effective treatment”.

The approval of the medication will provide patients with an important alternative method of administration, he continued to note.

Overall, the decision acknowledges the company’s “commitment to providing effective treatments in a variety of presentations for specific patient needs and patient convenience”, Dr Spiegel concluded.

Also this week, the firm announced the launch of Afrin Pure Sea Hydrating Nasal Rinse, which is the first product of its kind to be entirely made of 100 per cent purified sea water.