BRIEF — Japanese launch for Ono combo in melanoma

Ono Pharmaceutical has launched a new combination in its native Japan for the treatment of unreselectable melanoma with a BRAF mutation.

Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib) suppress the proliferation of tumors by targeting and selectively inhibiting the key enzymes of BRAF and MEK1/MEK2 respectively, which are different kinases in the MAPK signalling pathway associated with melanoma and various cancers.

In May 2017, Ono signed a deal with Array BioPharma, giving it rights to develop and commercialize the two products in Japan and South Korea, with the US drugmaker retaining exclusive rights in the North America.