Latest news with #CHMP
Medscape
8 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
EMA Reviews Alcohol Dependency Drug After French Concerns
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced it will review the use of medicines containing sodium oxybate, a drug used in narcolepsy, in people with alcohol dependency. The review comes at the request of the French Medicines Agency and has been initiated under Article 31 of Directive 2001/83/EC. This procedure is used to address concerns over the safety or benefit-risk balance of a medicine or a class of medicines; to resolve disagreements between member states on issues related to the authorization of medicines; or to give an opinion on an issue of Europe-wide interest so that the agency can make a recommendation for a harmonized position across the EU. The European Commission, any member state, or the company that markets the medicine can initiate a referral. In a referral, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is requested to conduct a scientific assessment of a particular medicine or class of medicines on behalf of the European Union. It involves the matter being referred to the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) after due notice to the EMA, all member states, and the European Commission. Narcolepsy Indication Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. As an oral solution (500 mg/mL), it is indicated for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy in adult patients, adolescents, and children from the age of 7 years. The drug is a central nervous system depressant believed to act by attaching to brain cell receptor molecules to promote delta (slow) brain waves and nighttime sleep. When taken at bedtime, Xyrem increases sleep depth and length, reducing the number of sleeping periods during the day and improving symptoms of narcolepsy. Because of the drug's potential for abuse, it can only be obtained with a special prescription, and treatment should be initiated and maintained under the guidance of a doctor with experience in treating sleep disorders. Doctors are advised to check for a history of or susceptibility to drug abuse before treatment, and to monitor for misuse and abuse during treatment. Approved for Alcohol Abuse in Austria and Italy The drug has also been suggested to reduce pain and improve function in fibromyalgia, but the EMA said the data were insufficient to support its use for this in the European population. However, sodium oxybate is also approved in Italy and in Austria, under the name Alcover, to treat alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It is this use that the review will examine. The EMA has confirmed the positive benefit-risk profile of the treatment as prescribed in Italy and Austria. France, however, despite having a high prevalence of alcohol problems, has resisted its use for this purpose. Trials have suggested that sodium oxybate can rapidly alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and was at least as effective as diazepam and clomethiazole. It can also be used in the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients, in whom it is reportedly as effective as naltrexone or disulfiram. Because existing approved medications are only modestly effective, there is a pressing need for effective treatments with an alternative mode of action, particularly in patients with very high consumption levels. Sodium oxybate also has a favorable safety profile. However, studies in alcohol use disorder have been limited and further investigations have been recommended.
Medscape
9 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Darzalex Monotherapy OK'd for Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
At its June 2025 meeting, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended extending the indications for Darzalex (daratumumab) solution for injection as monotherapy to the treatment of adult patients with smoldering multiple myeloma at high risk of developing multiple myeloma. Darzalex is a monoclonal antibody used to treat adults with multiple myeloma and light chain amyloidosis. Good Response to Treatment Daratumumab attaches to the CD38 protein, found in large amounts on abnormal white blood cells in multiple myeloma and light chain amyloidosis. By attaching to CD38 on these cells, daratumumab activates the immune system to kill the abnormal white blood cells. Darzalex as monotherapy was investigated in two main studies involving multiple myeloma patients whose disease relapsed after, or was refractory to, at least two previous treatments, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory medicine. Response to treatment was measured by the disappearance of, or at least a 50% reduction in, protein produced by multiple myeloma cells. In the first study, around 29% of the patients who received daratumumab responded to treatment. In the second study, 36% of patients responded. In these studies, daratumumab was not compared with any other treatment. Full Indications The CHMP highlighted that the full indications for Darzalex solution for injection for will now be: For multiple myeloma: In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone or with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant In combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma In combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy In combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received one prior therapy containing a proteasome inhibitor and lenalidomide and were lenalidomide-refractory, or who have received at least two prior therapies that included lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or after the last therapy As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy For smoldering multiple myeloma: As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with smoldering multiple myeloma at high risk of developing multiple myeloma For light chain (AL) amyloidosis: In combination with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed systemic light chain amyloidosis The indications for Darzalex concentrate for solution for infusion remained unchanged, the CHMP said. Rob Hicks is a retired UK National Health Service doctor. A well-known TV and radio broadcaster, he has written several books and has regularly contributed to national newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Medscape
11 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Exceptional Use Recommendation for Nuclear Emergency Drug
The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended an exceptional circumstances marketing authorization for Imreplys. The drug — active ingredient sargramostim and manufactured by Partner Therapeutics Ltd — is intended to treat people with hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) following acute exposure to myelosuppressive doses of radiation. H-ARS occurs when radiation suppresses bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to an increased risk for infection and bleeding. It occurs after whole-body radiation doses of about 1-6 Gy, most often associated with acute exposure following radiologic or nuclear emergencies. Sargramostim, a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, counteracts H-ARS by inducing the bone marrow to produce immune-protective leukocytes, including granulocytes, macrophages, and monocytes, as well as red blood cells and platelets. The positive opinion means that Imreplys is now indicated for treatment of patients of all ages with H-ARS following acute exposure to myelosuppressive doses of radiation. It has also been used in the US in patients aged 2 years or older to prevent serious infection in conditions such as leukemia, bone marrow transplant, and prechemotherapy blood cell collection. As well as the infection risk, symptoms of H-ARS may include those of anemia, petechiae, and prolonged bleeding, starting 1-6 hours after exposure and lasting up to 2 days. Exceptional Circumstances Authorization Recommended Medicines can be authorized under exceptional circumstances, subject to certain specific obligations where the applicant was unable to provide comprehensive data on the efficacy and safety of the medicine under normal conditions of use. This may be because the condition that the drug is to be used for is too rare for extensive data gathering; because of limited scientific knowledge in the area concerned; or because collection of full information is not possible or is unethical. Exceptional circumstances authorization must be reviewed annually. The CHMP said that three randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies in rhesus monkeys who received H-ARS-inducing total body irradiation showed that Imreplys increased 60-day survival rates compared with placebo. Studies had also shown faster recovery of absolute neutrophil counts and platelets, reduced infection rates, and fewer signs of sepsis. The most common side effects with Imreplys include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, skin reactions, rash, asthenia, metabolic laboratory abnormalities, malaise, high glucose, abdominal pain, weight loss, low albumin, pruritus, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, chills, pharyngitis, bone pain, chest pain, hypomagnesemia, hematemesis, arthralgia, anxiety, and eye hemorrhage. Use Governed by Radiologic/Nuclear Emergency Recommendations The EMA said that Imreplys will be available as a 250 μg powder for solution for injection and should be used in accordance with official radiologic/nuclear emergency recommendations. Detailed recommendations for the use of the product will be described in the summary of product characteristics (SmPC), which will be published on the EMA website in all official European Union languages after the marketing authorization has been granted by the European Commission.
Business Wire
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Exelixis' Partner Ipsen Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for CABOMETYX
BUSINESS WIRE)-- Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) today announced that its partner Ipsen received a positive opinion from the European Medicine Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for CABOMETYX ® (cabozantinib) for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated extra-pancreatic (epNET) and pancreatic (pNET) neuroendocrine tumors who have progressed following at least one prior systemic therapy other than somatostatin analogues. The European Commission (EC), which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union (EU), will now review the CHMP recommendation, and a final decision on the application is expected in the coming months. 'Neuroendocrine tumors are difficult to treat given their indolent nature and lack of robust responses to traditional oncology agents. This often results in people living with this type of cancer for long periods of time and running out of effective options, underscoring the critical need for new treatments following disease progression,' said Amy Peterson, M.D., Executive Vice President, Product Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer. 'The CHMP's recommendation is a pivotal milestone for our partner Ipsen as they work to bring CABOMETYX to patients in Europe, and we look forward to hearing the European Commission's decision in the coming months.' The CHMP recommendation is based on results from the phase 3 CABINET pivotal trial, which is evaluating CABOMETYX compared with placebo in two cohorts of patients with previously treated NET: advanced pNET and advanced epNET. CABINET was the basis for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of CABOMETYX in March 2025 for the treatment of 1) adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated pNET; and 2) adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated epNET. Final progression-free survival (PFS) results were presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. About CABINET (Alliance A021602) CABINET (Randomized, Double-Blinded, Phase III Study of CAB ozantinib versus Placebo I n Patients with Advanced NE uroendocrine T umors After Progression on Prior Therapy) is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and is being led and conducted by the NCI-funded Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology with participation from the NCI-funded National Clinical Trials Network, as part of Exelixis' collaboration through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the NCI's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. CABINET is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 pivotal trial that enrolled a total of 298 patients in two separate cohorts (pNET and epNET) in the U.S. at the time of the final analysis. Patients were randomized 2:1 to cabozantinib (60 mg) or placebo; each cohort was randomized separately and had its own statistical analysis plan. The trial was stopped early after an interim analysis showed superior efficacy associated with cabozantinib as compared to placebo in each of the two cohorts. Patients with epNET had primary tumors arising in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lung, unknown primary sites and other organs. Patients must have had measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 criteria and must have experienced disease progression or intolerance after at least one U.S. FDA-approved line of prior systemic therapy other than somatostatin analogs. The primary endpoint in each cohort was PFS per RECIST 1.1 by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, objective response rate and safety. More information about this trial is available at About NET NET are cancers that begin in the specialized cells of the body's neuroendocrine system. 1 These cells have traits of both hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. 1 It is estimated that 161,000 to 192,000 people in the U.S. are living with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NET. 2 The number of people diagnosed with NET has been increasing in recent decades. 3 Functional NET release peptide hormones that can cause debilitating symptoms, like diarrhea, hypertension and flushing, while symptoms of non-functional NET are related primarily to tumor growth. 4,5,6,7,8 Most NET take years to develop and grow slowly, but eventually all patients with advanced or metastatic NET will develop refractory and progressing disease. 9,10 NET can start in the pancreas (pNET), where they tend to be more aggressive, with a five-year survival rate of only 23% for advanced disease. 1,11 NET can also develop in any part of the body, but most commonly start in the GI tract or in the lungs, where they have historically been referred to as carcinoid tumors and are more recently called epNET. 1 The five-year survival rates for advanced GI and lung NET tumors are 68% and 55%, respectively. 12,13 For advanced NET patients, treatment options include somatostatin analogs, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy and peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy. 14 About CABOMETYX ® (cabozantinib) In the U.S., CABOMETYX tablets are approved as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and in combination with nivolumab as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced RCC; for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib; for adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible; for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated pNET; and adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated epNET. CABOMETYX tablets have also received regulatory approvals in over 65 countries outside the U.S. and Japan, including the EU. In 2016, Exelixis granted Ipsen Pharma SAS exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib outside of the U.S. and Japan. In 2017, Exelixis granted exclusive rights to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan. Exelixis holds the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize cabozantinib in the U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hemorrhage: CABOMETYX can cause severe and fatal hemorrhages. The incidence of Grade 3-5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX patients in RCC, HCC, and DTC studies. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3-4 hemorrhage and before surgery. Do not administer to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena. Perforations and Fistulas: Fistulas, including fatal cases, and gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, including fatal cases, each occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms, and discontinue CABOMETYX in patients with Grade 4 fistulas or GI perforation. Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX can cause arterial or venous thromboembolic event. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism in 2% of CABOMETYX patients. Fatal thrombotic events have occurred. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic events. Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension was reported in 37% (16% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX patients. In CABINET (n=195), hypertension occurred in 65% (26% Grade 3) of CABOMETYX patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled; when controlled, resume at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with antihypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis. Diarrhea: CABOMETYX can cause diarrhea and it occurred in 62% (10% Grade 3) of treated patients. Monitor and manage patients using antidiarrheals as indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to ≤ Grade 1; resume at a reduced dose. Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): CABOMETYX can cause PPE and it occurred in 45% of treated patients (13% Grade 3). Withhold CABOMETYX until PPE resolves or decreases to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE. Hepatotoxicity: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab in RCC can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to CABOMETYX alone. With the combination of CABOMETYX and nivolumab, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in 11% of patients. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of treatment and periodically. Consider more frequent monitoring as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. Consider withholding CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab, initiating corticosteroid therapy, and/or permanently discontinuing the combination for severe or life-threatening hepatotoxicity. Adrenal Insufficiency: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 4.7% (15/320) of patients with RCC who received CABOMETYX with nivolumab, including Grade 3 (2.2%), and Grade 2 (1.9%) adverse reactions. Withhold CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab and resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose depending on severity. Proteinuria: Proteinuria was observed in 8% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor urine protein regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. For Grade 2 or 3 proteinuria, withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to ≤ Grade 1 proteinuria; resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): CABOMETYX can cause ONJ and it occurred in <1% of treated patients. Perform an oral examination prior to CABOMETYX initiation and periodically during treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures. Withhold CABOMETYX for development of ONJ until complete resolution; resume at a reduced dose. Impaired Wound Healing: CABOMETYX can cause impaired wound healing. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): CABOMETYX can cause RPLS. Perform evaluation for RPLS and diagnose by characteristic finding on MRI any patient presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS. Thyroid Dysfunction: CABOMETYX can cause thyroid dysfunction, primarily hypothyroidism, and it occurred in 19% of treated patients (0.4% Grade 3). Assess for signs of thyroid dysfunction prior to the initiation of CABOMETYX and monitor for signs and symptoms during treatment. Hypocalcemia: CABOMETYX can cause hypocalcemia, with the highest incidence in DTC patients. Based on the safety population, hypocalcemia occurred in 13% of CABOMETYX patients (2% Grade 3 and 1% Grade 4). Monitor blood calcium levels and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue CABOMETYX depending on severity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CABOMETYX and for 4 months after the last dose. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions are: CABOMETYX as a single agent: diarrhea, fatigue, PPE, decreased appetite, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, weight decreased, and constipation. CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab: diarrhea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, PPE, stomatitis, rash, hypertension, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, dysgeusia, abdominal pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection. DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. John's wort. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose. Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid CABOMETYX in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Pediatric Use: Physeal widening has been observed in children with open growth plates when treated with CABOMETYX. Physeal and longitudinal growth monitoring is recommended in children (12 years and older) with open growth plates. Consider interrupting or discontinuing CABOMETYX if abnormalities occur. The safety and effectiveness of CABOMETYX in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age have not been established. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088. About Exelixis Exelixis is a globally ambitious oncology company innovating next-generation medicines and regimens at the forefront of cancer care. Powered by drug discovery and development excellence, we are rapidly evolving our product portfolio to target an expanding range of tumor types and indications with our clinically differentiated pipeline of small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates and other biotherapeutics. This comprehensive approach harnesses decades of robust investment in our science and partnerships to advance our investigational programs and extend the impact of our flagship commercial product, CABOMETYX ® (cabozantinib). Exelixis is driven by a bold scientific pursuit to create transformational treatments that give more patients hope for the future. For information about the company and its mission to help cancer patients recover stronger and live longer, visit follow @ExelixisInc on X (Twitter), like Exelixis, Inc. on Facebook and follow Exelixis on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to: the therapeutic potential of CABOMETYX for patients with previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors; the regulatory review process in the EU, including the expected timing for a final decision from the EC; Exelixis' or its partner Ipsen's ability or plans to support these new indications for patients in Europe; and Exelixis' scientific pursuit to create transformational treatments that give more patients hope for the future. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and are based upon Exelixis' current plans, assumptions, beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: complexities and the unpredictability of the regulatory review and approval processes in the EU and elsewhere, including the risk that the EC may not approve CABOMETYX for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated epNET and pNET who have progressed following at least one prior systemic therapy other than a somatostatin analogue in a timely fashion, if at all; unexpected concerns that may arise as a result of the occurrence of adverse safety events or additional data analyses of clinical trials evaluating cabozantinib; Exelixis' dependence on its relationships with its collaboration partners, including their pursuit of regulatory approvals for partnered compounds in new indications and their adherence to their obligations under relevant collaboration agreements; Exelixis' ability to protect its intellectual property rights; market competition, including the potential for competitors to obtain approval for generic versions of CABOMETYX; changes in economic and business conditions; and other factors affecting Exelixis and its partners to obtain regulatory approval for cabozantinib in new indications; and other factors detailed from time to time under the caption 'Risk Factors' in Exelixis' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in Exelixis' other future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Exelixis as of the date of this press release, and Exelixis undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law. Exelixis, the Exelixis logo and CABOMETYX are registered U.S. trademarks of Exelixis.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Zemcelpro® (UM171 Cell Therapy) receives positive CHMP opinion for treatment of blood cancer patients without access to suitable donor cells
MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - ExCellThera Inc. (ExCellThera), a world leader in blood stem cell expansion and metabolic fitness, announced today the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion, recommending granting conditional marketing authorization for Zemcelpro® for the treatment of adults with haematological malignancies requiring an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation following myeloablative conditioning for whom no other type of suitable donor cells is available. The European Commission (EC) is expected to make a final decision within approximately two months following CHMP recommendation, and the decision will apply to all 27 European Union (EU) Member States, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Zemcelpro®, also known as UM171 Cell Therapy, is a novel cryopreserved haematopoietic stem cell transplantation product containing two components, namely UM171-expanded CD34+ cells (dorocubicel) and unexpanded CD34- cells, each derived from the same cord blood unit. If approved, Zemcelpro® is expected to be the first and only therapy in the EU with marketing authorization for adults with haematological malignancies requiring an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation following myeloablative conditioning for whom no other type of suitable donor cells is available. Every year in Europe there are over 10,000 new cases of patients with haematological malignancies, including leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes, requiring bone marrow transplant, and a number of these patients do not have access to suitable donor cells for different reasons, including the absence or unavailability of suitably matched donors. The positive CHMP opinion was based on the conditional Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Zemcelpro®. Additional filings are planned for Zemcelpro® with other health authorities, including in the US, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland. 'Each year, thousands of people in Europe are diagnosed with haematological malignancies requiring an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and it's an upsetting reality that a number of them don't have access to suitable donor-derived stem cells,' said Dr. Guy Sauvageau, CSO and Founder of ExCellThera. 'With today's positive opinion, we are closer to bringing the life-changing potential of Zemcelpro® to patients with at-risk haematological malignancies in the EU,' said David Millette, CEO of ExCellThera. 'We are proud to bring our transformative cell therapy innovation to patients who continue to have unmet medical needs.' The safety of Zemcelpro® is consistent with the well-characterized safety profile of conventional allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation for haematological malignancies following myeloablative conditioning. ExCellThera extends its sincere gratitude to the patients and investigators who have contributed to the clinical development of Zemcelpro®. About Zemcelpro® Zemcelpro®, also known as UM171 Cell Therapy, is a novel cryopreserved haematopoietic stem cell transplantation product containing two components, namely UM171-expanded CD34+ cells (dorocubicel) and unexpanded CD34- cells, each derived from the same cord blood unit. Zemcelpro®, developed by Cordex Biologics, a wholly owned subsidiary of ExCellThera, has been evaluated in 120 patients with haematologic malignancies in clinical trials in the United States, Europe and Canada. Zemcelpro® has received orphan drug designation and regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) designations from the FDA as well as orphan medicinal product designation, advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) classification and priority medicines (PRIME) designation from the EMA. Zemcelpro® has been tested in Phase 2 trials in patients with high and very high-risk acute leukemias and myelodysplasias who have limited treatment options with low survival outcomes and high incidence of relapse under the current standard of care, including patients with patients with TP53 mutations or other genetic abnormalities, patients requiring a second transplant, and patients with refractory or active disease. A pivotal Phase 3 trial in this patient population will be initiated as soon as possible. The use of Zemcelpro® in other patient populations, including pediatric patients and patients with non-malignant haematological diseases, is also being explored. The product is not yet approved for marketing by the EMA and remains subject to European Commission decision. Its safety and efficacy have not been established by other regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and Health Canada. About ExCellThera and UM171 Technology ExCellThera is a world leader in enhanced blood stem cell therapies. ExCellThera's proprietary Enhance™ platform for cell expansion and metabolic fitness is designed to deliver a greater dose of functional therapeutic stem cells by expanding haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from any source and counteracting the effects of culture or gene editing induced stress. ExCellThera partners with biopharmas to help them develop best-in-class cell and gene therapies by leveraging the technologies that form the Enhance™ platform, including the proprietary molecule UM171 which has a first-in-class mechanism of action for ex vivo expansion and metabolic fitness of HSCs. For additional information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. 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