CHMP recommends EU label update for Roche’s Phesgo to allow administration outside of clinical settings

Core Viewpoint - Roche's Phesgo® has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for an update to its EU label, allowing for at-home administration by healthcare professionals for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment, pending final approval from the European Commission [1][3]. Group 1: Product and Treatment Impact - Phesgo is a subcutaneous fixed-dose combination of Perjeta® (pertuzumab) and Herceptin® (trastuzumab) for treating HER2-positive breast cancer, already approved in over 120 countries [4][5]. - The treatment can reduce administration costs by up to 80% in Western Europe, with 85% of patients preferring subcutaneous (SC) administration over intravenous (IV) [4][7]. - At-home treatment aligns with patient preferences, as 91% favor this method over in-clinic administration, potentially improving quality of life and reducing healthcare system burdens [3][7]. Group 2: Socioeconomic Burden and Future Projections - The socioeconomic burden of HER2-positive breast cancer in ten major economies was nearly $590 billion from 2017 to 2023, projected to rise to nearly $1,000 billion by 2032 [3]. - Roche's HER2-positive breast cancer medicines contributed a cumulative $8.2 billion to economic growth across ten major economies between 2017 and 2023 [9]. Group 3: Clinical Evidence and Safety - The CHMP's positive opinion is supported by clinical, real-world, and bioequivalence data, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of Phesgo's at-home administration [3][7]. - Clinical studies indicate that Phesgo can be administered in approximately eight minutes, significantly faster than standard IV administration, which can take hours [6].