BRIEF—New European lung cancer approval for Tecentriq

Swiss cancer giant Roche has secured the first and only European approval for a checkpoint blocker in a subset of people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Tecentriq (atezolizumab), which lags behind leaders such as Merck & Co’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has steadily  built up a share of the immuno-oncology market, focusing on smaller indications.

The new approval covers adjuvant use of the product, following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy, for certain adults with NSCLC.

The decision is based on results from an interim analysis of the Phase III IMpower010 study.

Roche continues to invest heavily in developing the therapy in various types of cancer, including lung, genitourinary, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and head and neck.