Imlygic FDA Approval History
FDA Approved: Yes (First approved October 27, 2015)
Brand name: Imlygic
Generic name: talimogene laherparepvec
Dosage form: Injection
Company: Amgen Inc.
Treatment for: Melanoma
Imlygic (talimogene laherparepvec) is a genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy indicated for the local treatment of melanoma lesions in the skin and lymph nodes.
FDA Approval: The safety and efficacy of Imlygic were evaluated in a multicenter study of 436 patients with metastatic melanoma that could not be surgically removed. In studies, 16.3 percent of those who received Imlygic had a decrease in the size of lesions, lasting at least six months, compared to 2.1 percent of participants who received the comparator therapy. Imlygic has not been shown to improve overall survival or to have an effect on melanoma that has spread to other organs.
Mechanism: Imlygic is a genetically modified live oncolytic herpes virus therapy injected directly into melanoma lesions, where it replicates inside cancer cells and causes the cells to rupture and die. The exact mechanism of action of Imlygic is unknown.
Dosage: A course of Imlygic consists of a series of injections into the melanoma lesions. After the initial injection, a second dose is administered three weeks later, followed by additional doses every two weeks for at least six months unless other treatment is required or until there are no injectable lesions to treat.
Side Effects: The most common side effects observed in clinical study participants were fatigue, chills, fever, nausea, flu-like symptoms and pain at the injection site.
Additional Patient Information: Patients and close contacts should avoid direct contact with the injection site to prevent viral transmission of the herpes virus. Female patients of childbearing potential should use an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Development timeline for Imlygic
| Date | Article |
|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2015 | Approval FDA Approves Imlygic (talimogene laherparepvec) for the Treatment of Melanoma |
Further information
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