Japan’s Ministry Reviews Thalidomide For Multiple Myeloma
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare began a review panel meeting Aug. 26 to consider thalidomide as a treatment for multiple myeloma, on condition that adverse event prevention methods are fully addressed. The MHLW panel will consider safety measures put forth by pharmaceutical companies, such as registration requirements for pharmacists, physicians and patients and establishment of a third party to monitor compliance. Upon completion of the review the drug could be launched as early as the end of the year. Japan has 13,000-14,000 multiple myeloma patients. Thalidomide is approved to treat multiple myeloma in 17 countries. (Click here for more - Japanese language)