AbbVie has received UK marketing authorization for ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine) as a treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The approval marks the first new treatment licensed for this patient population in the UK in 10 years.
ELAHERE is indicated for patients with folate receptor-alpha positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have received one to three prior treatments. The drug is administered once every three weeks.
The approval is based on the MIRASOL Phase 3 trial, which showed patients receiving mirvetuximab soravtansine had a median progression-free survival of 5.62 months compared to 3.98 months for chemotherapy. The treatment reduced the risk of cancer progression or death by 35%.
Ovarian cancer affects approximately 7,500 women annually in the UK, with two-thirds diagnosed at advanced stages. About 80% of patients with advanced disease eventually develop platinum resistance, creating need for new treatment options.
“This is a milestone for the treatment of eligible adult women with folate-receptor high platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in the UK,” said Professor Susana Banerjee of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
“AbbVie has an established portfolio of licensed therapies across blood cancers and today’s announcement marks our broader commitment to support treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumours,” said Rachael Millward, medical director, AbbVie UK. “This is an important development for women with advanced ovarian cancer, and in particular the underserved platinum-resistant patient population. Following marketing authorisation, our priority now is to work with NICE to provide all the necessary information for their appraisal of mirvetuximab soravtansine.”
