17 July 2018 - - The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of the targeted cancer immunotherapy Qarziba (dinutuximab beta), being investigated by Hemel Hempstead, England-based specialty pharmaceutical company EUSA Pharma, to treat children with high-risk neuroblastoma within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales, the company said.
Dinutuximab beta is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific target which is overexpressed on neuroblastoma cells, called GD2. This induces dual immune mechanisms that enable the immune system to lead the destruction of neuroblastoma cancer cells.
The recommendation from NICE within its final appraisal determination is that dinutuximab beta be used as an option for treating high-risk neuroblastoma after at least a partial response from induction chemotherapy, followed by myeloablative therapy and stem cell transplant in people aged 12 months and over, if the person has not had previous anti-GD2 immunotherapy.
In the phase III clinical study, a post hoc comparison of dinutuximab beta used in the maintenance phase of the first-line treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma showed improved survival outcomes, with a 12% improvement in overall survival (OS) rate at three years versus using no immunotherapy in a historical control group of similar patients.
EUSA Pharma focuses on oncology and oncology supportive care. The company has commercial operations in the US and Europe, and a wider distribution network in approximately 40 countries around the world.