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Koselugo now available in Malaysia for paediatric patients with symptomatic neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) plexiform neurofibromas AstraZeneca's Koselugo (selumetinib) is now available in Malaysia as a monotherapy for the treatment of paediatric patients three years of age and...

Key Takeaway: AstraZeneca's Koselugo (selumetinib) has been approved in Malaysia for pediatric patients aged three and older with symptomatic neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. This approval aims to address the significant unmet medical needs of NF1 patients, providing them with a much-needed treatment option. The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials, with a confirmed partial response rate of 70%.
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POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Koselugo is now available in Malaysia for pediatric NF1 patients.
  • The drug addresses a high unmet medical need for inoperable plexiform neurofibromas.
  • A pivotal trial showed a significant response rate of 70% in patients.

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+11%
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Typical move
1.3%
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Lead asset
Ticagrelor
Phase 1 · Drug Drug Interaction

Full Press Release Details

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia , Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AstraZeneca's Koselugo (selumetinib) is now available in Malaysia as a monotherapy for the treatment of paediatric patients three years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN) 1 . Koselugo, which received regulatory approval earlier this year, is a product approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) for NF1 with inoperable PN.
NF1 is a rare and debilitating genetic condition. 2. Some patients may develop PN which are tumours growing inside their nerve sheaths. These tumours can cause clinical issues such as pain, motor dysfunction, airway dysfunction, bowel/bladder dysfunction and disfigurement. 2,3,4
Vinod Narayanan , Country President, AstraZeneca Malaysia said: "We are excited that Koselugo is now available in Malaysia as it changes the lives of individuals suffering from NF1. NF1 is a genetically driven condition with an early onset that affects children. Those living with the condition may experience debilitating symptoms that impact their daily lives."
"By improving access to this innovative medicine, we can reduce the high unmet medical need of NF1 patients who have been struggling with a lack of treatment options. Ultimately, our mission is to transform the lives of people affected by rare diseases in Malaysia through the development and delivery of innovative medicines," Vinod concluded.
Results of a pivotal SPRINT trial showed a cPR of 70% (52 of 74 patients, confirmed partial response), where cPR is defined as a PR on consecutive restaging exams at least 3 months apart. 5
KKLIU: 3147 Tarikh Tamat Tempoh: 9 May 2024
SUPPORTING INFORMATION AS AN ADDENDUM ONLY
NF1
NF1 is a debilitating genetic condition that affects individuals. It is caused by a spontaneous or inherited mutation in the NF1 gene and is associated with many symptoms, including soft lumps on and under the skin (cutaneous neurofibromas) and skin pigmentation (so-called 'café au lait' spots) 3 and tumours that develop on the nerve sheaths (plexiform neurofibromas). These plexiform neurofibromas can cause clinical issues such as disfigurement, motor dysfunction, pain, airway dysfunction, visual impairment, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
PN begin during early childhood, with varying degrees of severity.
Koselugo
Koselugo (selumetinib) is an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2).
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK , AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com.
References
1. Malaysian Koselugo Prescribing Information Version 3.0 April 2023 .
2. Gross, Andrea M et al. "Selumetinib in Children with Inoperable Plexiform Neurofibromas." The New England journal of medicine vol. 382,15 (2020): 1430-1442. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1912735
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Neurofibromatosis Fact Sheet. "What is NF1?". Available at: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/neurofibromatosis-fact-sheet #3162_2 Accessed February 2020 .
4. Dombi E, Baldwin A, Marcus LJ, et al. Activity of selumetinib in neurofibromatosis type 1-related plexiform neurofibromas. N Engl J Med . 2016;375:2550-2560.
5. Gross, Andrea M et al. "Long-term safety and efficacy of selumetinib in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 on a phase 1/2 trial for inoperable plexiform neurofibromas." Neuro-oncology vol. 25,10 (2023): 1883-1894. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noad086

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Koselugo used for?

Koselugo is used to treat pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and inoperable plexiform neurofibromas.

What age group can use Koselugo?

Koselugo is approved for pediatric patients aged three years and older.

What was the response rate in the pivotal trial?

The pivotal SPRINT trial showed a confirmed partial response rate of 70%.

Who approved Koselugo in Malaysia?

Koselugo was approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) in Malaysia.

Last updated: Dec 6, 2023