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The Breakthrough of Keytruda: A Game-Changer in Cancer Therapy

Introduction

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the search for effective treatments has been a long-standing challenge. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to combat this disease. One of the most significant breakthroughs in this field is the FDA approval of Keytruda, a drug that has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer. In this article, we will explore the history of Keytruda, its mechanism of action, and the year it received FDA approval.

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor on T-cells. This receptor is a key player in the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, Keytruda enables T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

The Science Behind Keytruda

Keytruda works by enhancing the body's natural immune response to cancer. When cancer cells grow and divide, they can evade the immune system by producing proteins that inhibit the activity of T-cells. Keytruda binds to the PD-1 receptor on T-cells, preventing it from interacting with these inhibitory proteins. This allows T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

FDA Approval

Keytruda was first approved by the FDA in September 2014 for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma who had progressed on previous treatments. Since then, the drug has received numerous approvals for the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung, head and neck, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Year of FDA Approval

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Keytruda received FDA approval on September 4, 2014, for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma who had progressed on previous treatments. This marked a significant milestone in the development of immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

Expert Insights

"We are thrilled to see the FDA approval of Keytruda for advanced melanoma," said Dr. F. Stephen Hodi, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "This drug has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of this disease and improve patient outcomes."

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor on T-cells.
* The drug enhances the body's natural immune response to cancer by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands.
* Keytruda was first approved by the FDA in September 2014 for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
* The drug has received numerous approvals for the treatment of various types of cancer.

FAQs

1. What is Keytruda used for?
Keytruda is used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung, head and neck, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. How does Keytruda work?
Keytruda works by enhancing the body's natural immune response to cancer by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands.

3. When was Keytruda approved by the FDA?
Keytruda was approved by the FDA on September 4, 2014, for the treatment of advanced melanoma.

4. What are the side effects of Keytruda?
Common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, rash, and diarrhea.

5. Is Keytruda effective for all types of cancer?
Keytruda is effective for certain types of cancer, including melanoma, lung, head and neck, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. However, its effectiveness for other types of cancer is still being studied.

Conclusion

Keytruda has revolutionized the treatment of cancer by enhancing the body's natural immune response to this disease. Its FDA approval in 2014 marked a significant milestone in the development of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. As research continues to uncover the potential of Keytruda and other immunotherapies, we can expect to see even more breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2014). FDA Approves Merck's Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) for Advanced Melanoma. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/news/fda-approves-mercks-keytruda-pembrolizumab-for-advanced-melanoma/>

Cited Information

* DrugPatentWatch.com. (2014). FDA Approves Merck's Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) for Advanced Melanoma.