Pfizer receives positive opinion for axitinib in EU

Pfizer's kidney cancer treatment axitinib has received a positive opinion from the Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency.

The approval relates to the marketing authorisation of the drug as a therapy for adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma - a type of advanced kidney cancer - after failure of prior treatment with other drugs.

Pfizer will now await a decision from the European Commission, which is expected to review the committee's positive opinion in the next few months.

Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs at Pfizer's oncology business unit, said the company was "very pleased" with the CHMP's decision.

"Despite recent advances in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer, there is a clear need for additional treatment options for patients whose disease has progressed following first-line medications," he commented.

According to data from Pfizer, approximately 270,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with renal cell cancer every year.