New drug indications expand treatment for kidney cancer and hemophilia

One of the approvals involves Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), which may be used in conjunction with another medication, belzutifane, in the treatment of patients with a type of kidney cancer called clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

The new indication is aimed at people who have already undergone surgery to remove all or part of the kidney, but who are at greater risk of the disease returning. According to Anvisa, the combination of medications can help reduce the chances of cancer returning after the surgical procedure.

Renal cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for around 85% of cases of the disease.

Magnification for hemophilia

Anvisa also authorized the expansion of the use of Hympavzi (marstacimab) for patients with hemophilia A and hemophilia B who have developed inhibitors, substances produced by the body that hinder the action of medications normally used to treat the disease.

Until then, the medicine was only indicated for patients with hemophilia who did not have these inhibitors.

With the new authorization, people who face more difficult ways to treat the disease now have a new option to prevent bleeding.

Hemophilia is a genetic disease that causes blood to take longer to clot. Therefore, small cuts or injuries can cause prolonged bleeding and, in more serious cases, internal bleeding.

According to Anvisa, the two decisions expand treatment alternatives for patients who are at greater risk of complications, offering new therapeutic options for diseases that require continuous monitoring.