OSI Announces Japanese Launch of Tarceva

OSI Pharmaceuticals’ cancer drug Tarceva will be launched in Japan Dec. 18.

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved Tarceva (erlotinib) Oct. 19 for the treatment of patients with nonresectable, recurrent and advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer, which is aggravated following chemotherapy.

Chugai Pharmaceutical submitted the filing for the approval and will market the product in Japan.

Tarceva is approved in 83 countries for this indication, including the U.S. and the European Union, OSI said.