I have previously reported on exciting developments in the field of CAR T-cell therapy, which utilizes the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It is therefore pleasing to see that research in this area has translated into an approved drug.

KYMRIAH™ (tisagenlecleucel) is the first CAR T-cell therapy to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Specifically, KYMRIAH™ has been approved for use in patients up to 25 years old who have relapsing or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Given the huge amount of research and patent filings in this area in recent years, we can surely expect the approval of more “living drugs” in the coming years. Moreover, in the competitive market of cancer therapies and blockbuster drugs, the battle to secure intellectual property rights in this field is likely to be fierce.

“The US has approved the first treatment to redesign a patient’s own immune system so it attacks cancer.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41094990