Lytgobi (futibatinib) has received temporary authorization from Swissmedic for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) harboring fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) rearrangements, following progression after at least one prior therapy. This approval marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs of patients with this aggressive and rare cancer.
Mechanism of Action
Futibatinib, the active substance in Lytgobi, functions by selectively blocking FGFR2, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells that rely on this pathway. The drug is specifically intended for patients whose tumors exhibit an abnormal form of FGFR2 on their surface.
Regulatory Context
Given the life-threatening nature and rarity of locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, Lytgobi has been designated as an orphan drug. Swissmedic's authorization is under Article 13 of the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA), indicating that the drug is already authorized in at least one other country with comparable medicinal product control. In this instance, Swissmedic considered the assessment and approval decision made by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Conditions for Temporary Authorization
The temporary authorization is conditional, pending the submission of additional clinical trial data requested by Swissmedic. Upon successful review and a positive benefit-risk assessment, the temporary authorization may be converted to a full authorization without special conditions.
Further Information
At the time of the summary report's publication, detailed information for healthcare professionals and patients was not yet available. This information will be accessible on www.swissmedicinfo.ch once the medicine is available in Switzerland. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to address any further questions regarding Lytgobi.
