BRAF/MEK combo approved in the US!

[bettin]

Good news for BRAF pos Melanoma patients- the FDA has just approved the GSK BRAF-MEK combo which prolongates time to resistance and that with fewer side effects!

http://www.gsk.com/media/press-releases/2014/gsk-gains-accelerated-fda-approval-for-combination-use-of-mekini.html

Now fingers crossed that the EMA follows closely, so that also European patients can get access to what has been promising ASCO news for the last 3 times.

Wishing you all the best,

Bettina

[MathewR]

Thanks for posting. Given where I started (heavy tumor burden), I literally owe my life to this combination and am forever grateful to the scientists, clinicians and patients who helped make it available.

[Catherine Poole]

This is good news! Although I did hear that Germany is not approving because of the cost for either of the agents.

[Mike6413]

This combo worked for me for 6 months. I acheived a 66% tumor reduction, but then went resistant to it. I did have to undergo a reduction in dosage due to side effects, mainly kidney

failure. but the drugs did work, and fast.

[bettin]

Good to hear that the drugs worked for you!!

In Europe, the combo isn’t approved yet but yes, cost will be an issue here.

It is so depressing- what is the point of developing drugs that people cannot afford?!!

[MathewR]

Mike, if you’re able to say, what treatment did you move to after the combo stopped working?

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