This will undoubtedly expand the use of the blockbuster (in certain lung cancers), especially in parts of deeply-rural America (and later, around the world) — for people who live several hours away from any major teaching hospital or cancer center. Having to drive ten hours or more — or fly about every week — or every other one — can be a logistical / financial deal-breaker. This opens the probability of only making the trip once every three months.
Here’s the whole story, from the irrepressible FiercePharma — and a bit:
…Two months after Roche scored an FDA approval for its subcutaneous version of PD-LI inhibitor Tecentriq, Merck has achieved a key milestone in lining up its checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda to follow suit.
On Tuesday, company revealed that its subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda has aced a phase 3 trial, demonstrating non-inferiority to the immunotherapy’s intravenous version….
[S]ubcutaneous Keytruda — which includes Alteogen’s berahyaluronidase alfa, an enzyme used to improve the absorption and dispersion of drugs and other agents — was given to metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients along with chemotherapy. Another group of patients received IV Keytruda and chemotherapy….
Gaining approval for subcutaneous Keytruda would expand access for the world’s best-selling drug, which racked up sales of $25 billion last year. In its IV form, Keytruda is administered at infusion centers, with the procedure taking approximately 30 minutes, every three to six weeks….
Now you know — and on, to loads of Cajun Lobster, and Shrimp tonight! Woot!
नमस्ते
Powerline Lies... 