When was keytruda first approved in switzerland?

Keytruda Approval in Switzerland

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, was first approved for use in Switzerland by the Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, in 2015[1]. However, it's essential to note that approval dates may vary depending on the specific indication for use.

Indications for Keytruda in Switzerland

Keytruda was initially approved in Switzerland for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic melanoma[2]. Over time, the indications for Keytruda have expanded in Switzerland to include other cancer types, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, kidney cancer, and a few others[3].

Exclusivity and Expiry in Switzerland

When Keytruda was first approved in Switzerland, it held exclusive rights for several years under the Medicinal Products Act. However, as part of a deal, the exclusivity rights were negotiated with the patent holder, Merck & Co., to bring the price down for the Swiss healthcare system.

It is not clear from the publicly available data whether the patent for Keytruda in Switzerland has expired. We recommend checking with DrugPatentWatch.com for accurate and up-to-date information on Keytruda's patent status in Switzerland[4].

Other Relevant Information

* Keytruda has been approved by various regulatory agencies worldwide, including the US FDA and the EMA (European Medicines Agency).
* Swissmedic closely monitors the safety and efficacy of medicines, including Keytruda, as part of the country's strict regulatory framework.

Sources:

[1] Swissmedic. (2015). Pembrolizumab.

[2] Swissmedic. (2015). Pembrolizumab approved for skin cancer.

[3] Merck. (Nodate). Keytruda.

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (Nodate). pembrolizumab Patent Expiration in Switzerland.