Merck KGaA (NYSE: MRK), a leading German science and technology company, has announced the commercial launch of its targeted lung cancer therapy, Tepmetko (tepotinib), in China. This marks a significant milestone as multiple hospitals across the country have begun writing the first prescriptions for this MET inhibitor. Tepmetko, which has been previously granted breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) and orphan drug designation (ODD) in the United States, is now commercially available in over 30 countries globally. The drug received approval from Chinese regulatory authorities in December last year for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 skip mutations.
This launch is set to bolster Merck’s presence in the Chinese market and provide a much-needed treatment option for patients diagnosed with a specific type of lung cancer. The approval and subsequent launch of Tepmetko in China come on the heels of its global success and recognition in the form of BTD and ODD in the US, highlighting the drug’s potential to make a substantial impact on public health.- Flcube.com
