European Medicines Agency (EMA) News Channel
EMA's safety committee (PRAC) has recommended that the marketing authorisations for fenspiride medicines be revoked, so the medicines can no longer be marketed in the EU. This follows a review that has confirmed that these cough medicines could cause heart rhythm problems. EMA has completed its assessment of the results of the ANNOUNCE study and concluded that Lartruvo (olaratumab) with doxorubicin does not prolong the lives of patients with soft tissue cancer more than doxorubicin alone. The Agency is therefore recommending that the marketing authorisation of the medicine be revoked. EMA has started a review of the multiple sclerosis medicine Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) following new reports of immune-mediated conditions (caused by the body’s defence system not working properly) and problems with the heart and blood vessels with the medicine, including fatal cases. EMA has recommended granting a marketing authorisation in the European Union for a genetically modified product for beta-thalassaemia, a rare inherited blood condition that causes severe anaemia. Zynteglo is intended for adult and adolescent patients 12 years and older who need regular blood transfusions to manage their disease and have no matching donor for a stem cell transplant. A survey launched by EMA in September 2016 shows that validation issues occur in 90% of initial marketing authorisation applications (MAAs). They create additional workload for companies and potential delays at a critical moment for the timely start of the procedure. To make the validation process more efficient, predictable and easier to navigate, EMA is encouraging applicants to submit Package a new validation checklist as part of the MAA dossier. EMA's human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended for the first time an adjunct treatment to insulin in the form of a tablet for certain patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Dapagliflozin is already authorised in the European Union as Forxiga and Edistride for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. In November 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the capability of five additional EU Member States to carry out good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections at a level equivalent to the United States (US). Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Latvia were included into the mutual recognition agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) on 16 November and Estonia on 28 November 2018. 