Atezolizumab: First Global Approval

Anthony Markham1

  • 1Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand. dru@adis.com.

Drugs
|July 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Atezolizumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, shows promise in treating various cancers. Its development milestones led to its first US approval for urothelial carcinoma, with more indications pending.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Atezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the PD-L1 pathway.
  • PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint protein implicated in tumor evasion.
  • Genentech is developing atezolizumab for diverse cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the development of atezolizumab.
  • To highlight key milestones leading to its approval.
  • To focus on its initial approval for urothelial carcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical development data.
  • Analysis of regulatory submission and approval processes.
  • Summary of clinical trial outcomes for urothelial carcinoma.

Main Results:

  • Atezolizumab targets programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1).
  • US FDA approval granted for second-line urothelial carcinoma treatment.
  • Awaiting approval for non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Atezolizumab represents a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy.
  • The drug's development journey culminated in its first major regulatory approval.
  • Further applications in various malignancies are anticipated.

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