EMA approves Eisai's request for accelerated assessment of lenvatinib in thyroid cancer

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a request by Japanese drug major Eisai (TYO 4523) for the accelerated assessment of the investigational oral multiple receptor typrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib.

This would be used in the treatment of patients with progressive radioiodine-refractory, differentiated thyroid cancer. Lenvatinib is expected to be filed imminently, and could become a first in a new class of typrosine kinase inhibitors.

Gary Hendler, president and chief executive of Eisai’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division, said: “We are delighted that lenvatinib will undergo accelerated assessment by the EMA. The EMA recognizes that RR-DTC is a challenging disease to treat and there is an urgent need for effective treatment options. At time of filing we will be another step closer to providing an innovative therapy to people with advanced thyroid cancer.”