Erivedge (Genentech/Roche)is FDA approved for Basal Cell Carcinoma

The FDA has approved Erivedge (vismodegib) from Genentech/Roche to treat adult patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The drug is intended for use in patients with locally advanced Basal Cell Cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation and for patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Erivedge, reviewed under the agency�s priority review program, is the first FDA-approved drug for metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma. The decision was based on a single, multi-center clinical study (ERIVANCE-BCC) in 96 patients with locally advanced or metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma where of the patients with metastatic disease receiving Erivedge, 30 percent experienced a partial response and 43 percent of patients with locally advanced disease experienced a complete or partial response.