Shot in the arm: GSK boss Emma Walmsley
European watchdogs have backed GSK’s treatment for a type of bone marrow cancer – handing the group and its chief executive Emma Walmsley a boost.
A human medicines committee at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the pharma giant’s drug momelotinib be approved for use by patients within the European Union.
Momelotinib is designed for those suffering from myelofibrosis, a rare cancer in the bone marrow which makes it more difficult for the body to produce blood cells. The illness can cause severe anaemia as well as weakness and fatigue, while damage to the bone marrow also increases the risk of bleeding.
A final decision on the treatment is expected to be made by EU regulators early next year.
The recommendation is another shot in the arm for Walmsley, who is trying to pivot the business more towards blockbuster cancer drugs and vaccines.
Earlier this month, the FTSE 100 firm upgraded its profit guidance for the second time this year following bumper sales of its breakthrough respiratory vaccine Arexvy, designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
GSK has secured two-thirds of all RSV vaccine prescriptions in the US, helped by the fact that it is stocked by the major pharmacy chain CVS.
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