Scotland is first part of UK to approve zolbetuximab for advanced stomach cancer

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has recommended zolbetuximab, to be used with chemotherapy, for some people with advanced or metastatic stomach (gastric) cancer; about 386 patients in Scotland are estimated to be affected each year.

Scotland's health advisers have recommended a new drug, zolbetuximab, to be used alongside chemotherapy for some people with advanced stomach cancer. The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued the recommendation, and the manufacturer described the drug as an innovative, targeted approach. An estimated 386 people per year in Scotland have advanced or metastatic gastric cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread. The drug is reported to bind to cancer cells expressing the CLDN18.2 protein and enable the immune system to act against those cells. Key details: - The Scottish Medicines Consortium has recommended zolbetuximab for use with chemotherapy for certain patients with advanced or metastatic gastric (stomach) cancer in Scotland. - The drug targets cancer cells that express the CLDN18.2 protein, which the manufacturer says helps the immune system attack those cells. - Astellas, the manufacturer, said clinical data indicate the treatment could help patients live longer without their cancer worsening or spreading. Summary: The SMC recommendation means zolbetuximab is approved for use with chemotherapy for eligible patients in Scotland. Officials and the drugmaker have described it as a targeted treatment option for tumours expressing CLDN18.2. Undetermined at this time.