The move follows an April 29 vote by the FDA Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee.
Merck announced late Thursday that it would voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval indication for Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for certain patients with gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1, based on parameters of an FDA-approved test, who have seen their disease progress after at least two lines of therapy, including fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy and if appropriate, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu-targeted therapy. The decision follows the April 29 hearing of the FDA Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee, where the panel recommended against continuing the indication. As agreed with the FDA, Merck will initiate the withdrawal in six months. The decision does not affect other indications for Keytruda.
FDA Approves Xolremdi for Ultra Rare Immune Disorder
April 29th 2024Xolremdi is the first therapy for WHIM syndrome, which can cause recurrent lung infections and papillomavirus-related warts. It’s available in two doses: 400 mg for an annual cost of $496,400 and 300 mg for an annual cost of $372,300.
FDA Approves Pfizer’s Gene Therapy Beqvez for Hemophilia
April 26th 2024Beqvez (fidanacogene elaparvovec) is priced at $3.5 million, which is on parity with Hemgenix, the first one-time therapy to treat adults with hemophilia B. Pfizer’s warranty will refund insurers and continue to provide coverage for patients if they change insurers.