The first Anti-PD-1 Immuno-Oncology Therapy to be approved in Canada gives new hope to patients with advanced melanoma.
June 11,2015 (Oakville, ON): Merck Canada Inc. announced this week that KEYTRUDA™ (pembrolizumab) was authorized for sale with conditions by Health Canada on May 19th, 2015. KEYTRUDA is the first of a new class of therapies called anti-PD-1s approved in Canada. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to fight advanced melanoma.
“The approval of this immune-oncology therapy for patients fighting aggressive melanoma brings hope to those who might not have any other treatment options,” said Annette Cyr, Chair and Founder, Melanoma Network of Canada. “This is terrific news as the drug therapy has the potential to not only provide regression of the disease, but to also improve the quality of life for those suffering from advanced or metastatic melanoma.” KEYTRUDA has received approval in Canada under the Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) policy. An NOC/c is issued to a manufacturer following the satisfactory review of a submission for a new drug and on the basis of clinical effectiveness and the results of pending trials. “While we are overjoyed that KEYTRUDA has received conditional approval, the next step is to convince all provinces across Canada to fund this drug therapy,” said Cyr. “Melanoma incidents have been increasing over the last four decades and we will really only see a drop in advanced cases and deaths when all patients have access to the most effective treatments.”
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About the Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC)
The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is a national charitable organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of melanoma. Established in 2009, the MNC works to support early diagnosis and effective treatment of melanoma and skin cancers through education, prevention and awareness programs, innovative research, support for patients and an improved quality of life for those living with melanoma. For information on melanoma or to get involved, please visit us at www.melanomanetwork.ca.
Media Contact: Karley Geladall, Melanoma Network of Canada | 905.901.5121 ext. 103, kgleadall@melanomanetwork.ca
