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Pharmaceuticals firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been given conditional permission to market an oral treatment for metastatic breast cancer in Europe.
The marketing authorisation means that lapatinib, or Tyverb, will be available in all 27 EU member states, subject to local regulations. Tyverb specifically targets the receptors responsible for tumour growth, providing tailored treatment for patients.
GSK said it was now working with regulatory authorities to ensure the drug is available to eligible patients as soon as possible.
The charity Breast Cancer Campaign welcomed the move, although it cautioned against seeing the product as a new “wonder drug”.
“It is encouraging news that Tyverb has received a conditional licence indication for metastatic breast cancer,” said the charity’s chief executive, Pamela Goldberg. “However, it is important to emphasise that it is not a new wonder drug suitable for all breast cancer patients.
“Around 2,000 women in the UK with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously followed a specific drug regime could benefit from this treatment,” she continued.
“The signs are promising and we hope that Tyverb will be developed further as a treatment in the earlier stages of breast cancer.”
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