EC Approves Amgen's IMLYGIC as First Oncolytic Immunotherapy In Europe

Amgen AMGN today announced that the European Commission has approved the use of IMLYGIC (talimogene laherparepvec) for the treatment of adults with unresectable melanoma that is regionally or distantly metastatic (Stage IIIB, IIIC and IVM1a), with no bone, brain, lung or other visceral disease. IMLYGIC is the first oncolytic immunotherapy to demonstrate therapeutic benefit for patients with metastatic melanoma in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7714251-amgen-imlygic-europe-approval/ IMLYGIC is derived from the herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) , commonly called the cold sore virus. IMLYGIC has been modified to replicate within tumors and to produce the immune stimulatory protein human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Administered via intralesional injection, IMLYGIC is designed to cause the death of tumor cells and initiate an anti-tumor immune response.   "As the first oncolytic immunotherapy authorized in the European Union, the approval of IMLYGIC is an important milestone for this new class of drugs, bringing patients with a rare and See full press release