Regulation & Policy

AMT to appeal against gene therapy opinion

Country
Netherlands

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics Holding NV is to appeal against a negative opinion issued by the European Medicines Agency for its gene therapy to treat a protein deficiency linked to pancreatitis. The opinion was issued on 23 June 2011.

Nexium receives first approval in Japan

Country
United Kingdom

Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), a treatment for acid-related conditions of the stomach, has received its first regulatory approval in Japan, according to AstraZeneca Plc, the drug’s developer. The approval is for use in adult patients.

FDA panel endorses decision on Avastin

Country
United States

An advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration has endorsed the agency’s decision in late 2010 to remove the breast cancer indication for Avastin (bevacizumab) despite strenuous objections from the drug’s manufacturer, Roche.

European regulator refuses another gene therapy

Country
United Kingdom

The European Medicines Agency has issued a negative opinion to an application from Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics BV for a gene therapy to treat patients with an enzyme deficiency that is linked with pancreatitis.

Trajenta receives positive EMA opinion

Country
United Kingdom

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH’s new Type 2 diabetes drug, Trajenta (linagliptin) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s main scientific committee. This follows US Food and Drug Administration approval on 2 May.

EMA recommends new malaria agent

Country
United Kingdom

The European Medicines Agency has recommended that a new artemisinin-based combination therapy be approved to treat malaria in adults, children and infants aged six months or older. The agent combines dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine.

EMA recommends restricting cancer agents

Country
United Kingdom

The European Medicines Agency is recommending restrictions on the use of dexrazoxane, currently indicated for certain cancer patients, because of an increased risk of acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

CHMP continues review of pioglitazone-containing medicines

Country
United Kingdom

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) is continuing a review of pioglitazone-containing medicines which are used to treat diabetes amid concerns that long-term use could increase the risk of bladder cancer.

FDA panel votes against canakinumab

Country
Switzerland

An advisory panel of the US Food and Drug Administration has voted not to recommend approval of canakinumab for the treatment of gouty arthritis attacks in patients who cannot get relief from NSAIDS, according to the drug’s sponsor, Novartis.

FDA issues guidance on artificial pancreas

Country
United States

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a draft guidance for companies that may be planning to develop and submit an application for marketing for an artificial pancreas system for people with Type 1 diabetes.