News round-up for 30 January – 3 February by DDW Digital Content Editor Diana Spencer.
As February 4 is World Cancer Day, this week’s update focuses on developments in the field of oncology. Drugs for lung cancer, lymphoma and breast cancer have received regulatory approvals, an investment boost will allow the development of a novel approach to treating tumours, and a new global commission will seek to improve access to personalised therapies.
The top stories:
SMC approves targeted treatment for lung cancer
Following a resubmission from manufacturer Merck, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has now approved Tepmetko (tepotinib) for use on the NHS in Scotland.
$49 million raised to fund original immuno-oncology approach
Grey Wolf Therapeutics has closed an oversubscribed $49 million Series B financing co-led by Pfizer Ventures and Earlybird Venture Capital, with investment from Oxford Science Enterprises, British Patient Capital, Canaan and Andera Partners.
Ground-breaking CAR-T therapy approved in UK
Hundreds of people with an aggressive form of lymphoma are set to benefit from the first personalised immunotherapy treatment to be recommended for routine use in the NHS.
Commission tackles global access to precision cancer treatments
A team of experts from the University of Glasgow will lead a new international effort to improve cancer control and reduce global health inequalities.
FDA-approved therapy targets ESR1 mutations in breast cancer
The first and only treatment specifically indicated for patients with ESR1 mutations in ER+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer has been approved in the US.
