Priority Review for Tecentriq in first-line lung cancer

The US Food and Drug Administration has awarded Priority Review status to a supplemental Biologics License Application for Tecentriq (atezolizumab) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Swiss firm Roche (ROG: SIX) is bidding to broaden the label for the checkpoint inhibitor, to include first-line monotherapy for people with advanced non-squamous and squamous forms of NSCLC.

While Merck & Co’s (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda (pembrolizumab) remains dominant in the field of checkpoint inhibition, Tecentriq represents an increasingly important option for many people with cancer.