(Glioma) Japan's First Virus-Based Cancer Treatment Drug
Medical Supporter — Information Notice
This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
- May 26, 2021
- Read time: 1 minute
On May 24, 2021, a specialized panel under Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conditionally approved the production and sale of a genetically engineered virus drug for treating brain tumors. This is Japan's first virus therapy drug, targeting malignant glioma — a type of brain tumor. Daiichi Sankyo, a major Japanese pharmaceutical company, submitted the application to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and formal approval of the plan is expected by the end of June.
The approved drug is teserpaturev, which uses the virus that causes cold sores (herpes simplex virus). Through genetic engineering, the virus is modified to proliferate within cancer cells and cause them to necrose, without affecting normal cells. It can also be used by patients who still have residual cancer cells after surgery or radiation therapy.
Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/169e0be6ad2023a6ff451ecf8895da92b78f0b1d
Medical Supporter was formerly certified as an international medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066).
Considering medical care in Japan? Need information and support?
We help you organize the information needed for medical travel to Japan, liaise with Japanese medical institutions, and arrange a second-opinion consultation.The first consultation is free; an advisor will help you clarify the next steps.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4