BRIEF—Health Canada added approval for Tafinlar plus Mekinist combo

Source: The Pharma Letter, December 2018

Pharma regulator Health Canada has approved the use of a combination of two Novartis cancer therapies as targeted treatment to prevent recurrence of melanoma following surgery, also referred to as adjuvant treatment.

The combination of Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib) has been approved for the adjuvant treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation melanoma and involvement of lymph nodes, following complete surgical removal of the tumors.

“Novartis is very pleased to bring this targeted combination therapy to Canadians with this serious form of skin cancer," said Isabelle Deslauriers, franchise head, solid tumors, oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada.