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When Did Keytruda Receive Initial FDA Approval for Any Cancer?

H1: Introduction

The FDA has approved numerous groundbreaking cancer treatments in recent years, but one drug stands out for its impressive track record: Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Developed by Merck & Co., Keytruda is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor that has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer. But when did Keytruda first receive FDA approval for any cancer?

H2: The Early Days of Keytruda

Keytruda was first approved by the FDA in September 2014 for the treatment of patients with refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) who have received at least three prior therapies. This approval marked a significant milestone in the development of immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

H3: The Science Behind Keytruda

Keytruda works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, allowing them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This mechanism is based on the concept of immune checkpoint inhibition, which has been shown to be highly effective in treating various types of cancer.

H4: FDA Approval for Melanoma

In December 2014, just three months after its initial approval, Keytruda received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have progressed after prior treatment with ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation-positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This approval marked a significant expansion of Keytruda's indications and cemented its position as a leading treatment for melanoma.

H5: The Rise of Keytruda

Since its initial approval, Keytruda has received numerous FDA approvals for various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Keytruda has been approved for over 20 indications across various cancer types, making it one of the most widely approved cancer treatments in history.

H6: Keytruda's Impact on Cancer Treatment

Keytruda's impressive approval record is a testament to its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer. As Dr. Antoni Ribas, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Tumor Immunology Program at UCLA, notes, "Keytruda has revolutionized the treatment of melanoma and has shown significant activity in other types of cancer, including lung, head and neck, and lymphoma."

H7: The Future of Keytruda

As researchers continue to explore the potential of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, Keytruda is likely to remain a leading player in the field. With its impressive track record and ongoing clinical trials, Keytruda is poised to continue making a significant impact on cancer treatment in the years to come.

H8: Conclusion

In conclusion, Keytruda received its initial FDA approval for classical Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2014. Since then, it has received numerous approvals for various types of cancer, cementing its position as a leading treatment for many types of cancer. As the scientific community continues to explore the potential of immunotherapy, Keytruda is likely to remain a key player in the fight against cancer.

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda received its initial FDA approval for classical Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2014.
* Keytruda has received numerous FDA approvals for various types of cancer, including melanoma, NSCLC, HNSCC, and cHL.
* Keytruda has been approved for over 20 indications across various cancer types, making it one of the most widely approved cancer treatments in history.
* Keytruda has revolutionized the treatment of melanoma and has shown significant activity in other types of cancer.

FAQs

1. What is Keytruda?
Keytruda is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor developed by Merck & Co. for the treatment of various types of cancer.

2. When did Keytruda receive its initial FDA approval?
Keytruda received its initial FDA approval for classical Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2014.

3. What is the mechanism of action of Keytruda?
Keytruda works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, allowing them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

4. What types of cancer has Keytruda been approved for?
Keytruda has been approved for over 20 indications across various cancer types, including melanoma, NSCLC, HNSCC, and cHL.

5. What is the future of Keytruda in cancer treatment?
As researchers continue to explore the potential of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, Keytruda is likely to remain a leading player in the field, with ongoing clinical trials and potential new indications on the horizon.

Cited Sources

1. Merck & Co. (2014). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Approved by FDA for Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Patent Expiration.
3. Ribas, A. (2018). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in Melanoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(22), 2234-2241. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.77.4449