Teva expands generic oncology pipeline with NSCLC treatment

20-May-2019 - Last updated on 20-May-2019 at 08:31 GMT

(Image: Getty/ Lillia Lysenko)

Teva launches Tarceva generic for the treatment of NSCLC, as it continues to expand its pipeline of oncology treatments.

The Israel-based pharmaceutical company launched its generic version of Tarceva (erlotinib) tablets for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the US.

Erlotinib, a kinase inhibitor, treats NSCLC in patients who have tumors with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations. The therapy is to be given to patients after receiving first-line maintenance or second-line treatment prior to one round of chemotherapy.

Erlotinib tablets are also indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine.

In February 2019, IQVIA reported that Tarceva tablets’ annual sales were $202m in the US.

With the launch of erlotinib tablets, Teva will add to its growing pipeline of generic oncology products. Teva’s oncology pipeline includes its early stage Herceptin (traztuzumab) biosimilar, CT-P6, for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and gastric cancer.

In addition, Teva recently received approval for generic Trisenox (arsenic trioxide) injection, for first line treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.