The European Commission recently granted marketing authorisation for necitumumab (Portrazza) for certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Necitumumab is approved in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for adults with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC that expresses epidermal growth factor receptors, provided patients have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition. Manufacturer Eli Lilly says necitumumab is the first biologic licensed in the EU as a first-line treatment in this indication.