Shot in the arm: GSK boss Emma Walmsley
European watchdogs have backed GSK’s treatment for a type of bone marrow cancer, giving a boost to the group and its chief executive, Emma Walmsley.
A human medicines committee at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended that the pharmaceutical giant’s drug momelotinib be approved for use in patients within the European Union.
Momelotinib is designed for people with myelofibrosis, a rare cancer of the bone marrow that makes it difficult for the body to make blood cells. The disease can cause severe anemia, as well as weakness and fatigue, while damage to the bone marrow also increases the risk of bleeding.
EU regulators are expected to make a final decision on the treatment early next year.
The recommendation is another shot in the arm for Walmsley, which is trying to pivot the business more toward blockbuster cancer drugs and vaccines.
Earlier this month, the FTSE 100 company raised its profit forecast for the second time this year following strong sales of its innovative Arexvy respiratory vaccine, designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
GSK has filled two-thirds of all RSV vaccine prescriptions in the US, thanks to the fact that it is carried by major pharmacy chain CVS.
