FDA Approves Erivedge by Genentech As New Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration Jan. 30 said that it has approved Erivedge (vismodegib) to treat adults with advanced basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.

Erivedge is marketed by South San Francisco based-Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. FDA said that the drug is intended for use in patients with locally advanced basal cell cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation and for patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Erivedge is a pill taken once a day and works by inhibiting the “Hedgehog pathway,” a pathway that is ...