Swissmedic grants temporary approval of Minjuvi

Germany’s MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR) shares were up 7.5% at 25..69 euros, after along with partner USA-based Incyte (Nasdaq: INCY), announced that the Swiss agency for therapeutic products (Swissmedic), has granted temporary approval for Minjuvi (tafasitamab) in combination with lenalidomide, followed by Minjuvi monotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), after at least one prior line of systemic therapy including an anti-CD20 antibody, who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Incyte holds exclusive commercialization rights for Minjuvi in Switzerland.

"The approval of Minjuvi by Swissmedic is excellent news," said Jonathan Dickinson, executive vice president and general manager, Incyte Europe, adding: "There are a substantial number of people living with relapsed or refractory DLBCL in Switzerland and we're pleased to be able to offer them a new treatment option."

"DLBCL is a fast-growing cancer and can be very hard to treat. Up to 40% of DLBCL patients either relapse after they have been treated or don't respond to initial treatment at all," said Dr Mike Akimov, head of global drug development, MorphoSys. "Minjuvi addresses this unmet need and its approval in Switzerland is a crucial milestone for these patients," he noted.