Novocure Receives CE Mark for NovoTTF-100L™ System
Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) has received the CE Mark for its NovoTTF-100L system, enabling commercialization as a first-line therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in Europe and Switzerland. This treatment combines the device with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy. Annually, over 13,000 cases are diagnosed in Europe. The system was previously approved by the U.S. FDA in May 2019. Novocure aims to expand patient access by pursuing reimbursement pathways in selected European markets.
- Receipt of CE Mark allows commercialization of NovoTTF-100L in Europe.
- NovoTTF-100L is the first new treatment for MPM in over 15 years.
- Opportunity to identify reimbursement pathways to expand access for patients.
- None.
ST. HELIER, Jersey--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR), a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer, today announced that it has received the CE Mark for the NovoTTF-100L system from the Notified Body (TÜV). The application of the CE mark enables Novocure to commercialize the device as a first-line treatment in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in the European Union and Switzerland.
MPM is a rare cancer that has been strongly linked to asbestos exposure. More than 13,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in Europe annually. The U.S. FDA approved the NovoTTF-100L System (known as Optune Lua™ in the U.S.) as a treatment for MPM in May 2019 under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) pathway. Optune Lua was the first treatment for MPM approved by the FDA in more than 15 years. Prior to the FDA approval of NovoTTF-100L, pemetrexed plus cisplatin was the only FDA-approved therapy for patients with unresectable MPM. Now having the CE mark for its MPM therapy in Europe, Novocure will begin commercialization and to identify and pursue pathways for reimbursement in selected markets.
“We are extremely pleased to have CE marking for our NovoTTF-100L System, making our therapy commercially available for patients with MPM in Europe,” said Pritesh Shah, Novocure’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Obtaining the CE mark for our NovoTTF-100L System represents another step forward on our patient-forward mission of striving to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Our commercial team in EMEA is now focused on establishing pathways for reimbursement to expand access to our therapy for MPM patients.”
About NovoTTF-100L
NovoTTF-100L is a noninvasive, antimitotic cancer treatment for MPM. NovoTTF-100L delivers Tumor Treating Fields, which is a cancer therapy using electric fields to disrupt cell division. Tumor Treating Fields does not stimulate or heat tissue and targets dividing cancer cells of a specific size. Tumor Treating Fields causes minimal damage to healthy cells. Mild to moderate skin irritation is the most common side effect reported. Tumor Treating Fields is approved in certain countries for the treatment of adults with glioblastoma and for mesothelioma, two of the most difficult cancer types to treat. The therapy shows promise in multiple solid tumor types – including some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Humanitarian Device. Authorized by Federal Law for use in the treatment of adult patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, malignant pleural mesothelioma concurrently with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated.
Approved Indications
NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) to be used concurrently with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
Do not use NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua in patients with implantable electronic medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable automatic defibrillators, etc. Use of NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua together with implanted electronic devices has not been tested and may lead to malfunctioning of the implanted device.
Do not use NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua in patients known to be sensitive to conductive hydrogels. Skin contact with the gel used with NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua may commonly cause increased redness and itching, and may rarely lead to severe allergic reactions such as shock and respiratory failure.
Warnings and Precautions
NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider that has completed the required certification training provided by Novocure®.
The most common (≥
Other potential adverse effects associated with the use of NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua include: treatment related skin toxicity, allergic reaction to the plaster or to the gel, electrode overheating leading to pain and/or local skin burns, infections at sites of electrode contact with the skin, local warmth and tingling sensation beneath the electrodes, muscle twitching, medical device site reaction and skin breakdown/skin ulcer.
If the patient has an underlying serious skin condition on the treated area, evaluate whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua treatment.
Do not prescribe NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua for patients that are pregnant, you think might be pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, as the safety and effectiveness of NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua in these populations have not been established.
Please visit www.optunelua.com to see NovoTTF-100L/Optune Lua Instructions For Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions. This website is primarily intended for a U.S. audience.
About Novocure
Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer through the development and commercialization of its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields. Tumor Treating Fields therapy uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. Novocure’s commercialized products are approved for the treatment of adult patients with glioblastoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Novocure has ongoing or completed clinical trials investigating Tumor Treating Fields in brain metastases, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and liver cancer.
Headquartered in Jersey, Novocure has U.S. operations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Malvern, Pennsylvania and New York City. Additionally, the company has offices in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Israel. For additional information about the company, please visit www.novocure.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/novocure.
Forward-Looking Statements
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