Roche, Halozyme Breast Cancer Drug Gets Positive Sign From EU Advisory Panel

   By Kristin Jones 
 

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (HALO) said that its partner Roche Holding AG (RHHBY, RO.EB, ROG.VX) has received a positive recommendation from an advisory committee to approve a subcutaneous form of its breast cancer treatment in Europe.

Halozyme's shares jumped 17% to $7.44 in recent trading. The stock is up 11% since the start of the year.

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, gave a positive recommendation for a subcutaneous formulation of Herceptin, or trastuzumab, to treat patients in Europe with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

The treatment uses Halozyme's recombinant human hyaluronidase, and is directed at patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

An advanced study conducted by Roche showed that Herceptin SC, delivered by an injection under the skin rather than intravenously, can decrease the time patients spent in a hospital or doctor's office receiving treatment.

Roche Chief Medical Officer Hal Barron said that more than 80,000 patients receive Herceptin each year.

"EU approval of this subcutaneous form of Herceptin would provide a more convenient option for patients that potentially saves time and healthcare resources," said Mr. Barron.

Roche American depositary shares were up 1.2% in recent trading at $62.25. The equity is up 23% year to date.

Write to Kristin Jones at [e-mail]

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