AstraZeneca's (AZN, Financial) cancer drug, Tagrisso, has received approval from the European Union for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with specific genetic mutations. This approval significantly enhances the drug's revenue potential as the company's top-selling cancer product. Studies indicate that Tagrisso can reduce the risk of disease progression or death by 84% in patients with inoperable, locally advanced NSCLC.
This groundbreaking treatment led to the EU's approval decision, showcasing significant efficacy for patients with specific genetic mutations who are not suitable for surgery. AstraZeneca's CEO, Pascal Soriot, is optimistic about this development, as cancer drugs are crucial for his goal to nearly double the company's sales by 2020.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and Tagrisso targets the most common type, NSCLC. AstraZeneca also noted that the drug is suitable for patients whose condition did not worsen during chemoradiotherapy.
