Anti-cancer drug MabThera launched in Japan

14-Sep-2001

People suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), the most common form of newly diagnosed blood cancer, can now be treated with the anti-cancer drug MabThera1 in Japan. NHL is a disease that affects approximately 13,000 people each year in Japan, and about 1.5 million people around the world.

MabThera is Roche’s second biggest product and an important pillar in its oncology franchise. Japan, as the world’s second largest market for pharmaceutical products, offers significant potential for this innovative cancer drug. The launch of MabThera in Japan is another milestone in a very successful year for Nippon Roche and will help strengthen its presence in the competitive Japanese pharmaceutical market.

About MabThera MabThera was the first monoclonal antibody for the treatment of cancer. Its magic bullet action means it attacks only the potential cancer cells. It works by binding to the surface of a protein (called the CD-20 antigen) on the exterior of normal and malignant B-cells, where it then recruits the body’s natural defenses to attack and kill the marked B-cells. The normal B-cells are then replaced by the body’s natural healing process.

MabThera is currently available in over 65 countries for the treatment of NHL. In May this year Roche filed for European approval of MabThera in the additional indication of aggressive NHL where it has proven to increase survival.

MabThera was discovered by IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation and was jointly developed by IDEC, Genentech, Inc, Roche and Zenyaku Kogyo Co. Ltd of Japan. In July 1998, Genentech granted Roche exclusive marketing rights for MabThera outside the USA. In Japan it will be co-promoted by Nippon Roche and Zenyaku Kogyo.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/4689/anti-cancer-drug-mabthera-launched-in-japan.html