Anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®) has been registered by the TGA
20 April 2015
MSD announced that its anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab (trade name KEYTRUDA®) has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of the most deadly form of skin cancer – advanced metastatic melanoma. Australia is the first country in the world to register KEYTRUDA for the first line treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults. This will change the future of treatments for all melanoma patients in Australia.
Associate Professor Georgina Long from Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) explained that Australian clinicians and institutes have been involved in the clinical trials of anti-PD1 for over three years.
“We are proud to have been involved in the development of this medicine and that hundreds of Australian patients with advanced melanoma have been treated with pembrolizumab. This drug is being investigated for use in other cancers. It is vital we continue to do research such as this to improve the outcomes for cancer patients.”
MIA and affiliates will continue to lobby on behalf of the Australian community to ensure anti-PD1 is added to the PBS which would make it accessible for all Australians with advanced melanoma without delay.
MIA joins Sydney Health Partners
Sydney Health Partners' goal is to ensure world class research is successfully implemented & scaled-up to benefit patients & wider society.
Congratulations Dr Hansol Lee
Promising young MIA researcher conferred with University of Sydney PhD.
Olympians join forces for melanoma warning
Jana Pittman and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor urge Australians to be sun-safe and check their skin as they join the Game On Mole campaign in support of their much-loved coach
MIA research wins Cancer Institute of NSW 'Wildfire Highly Cited Publication'
Cited an incredible 427 times around the world, showing its vital role in improving outcomes for people with advanced melanoma.
Prof Richard Scolyer receives University of Tasmania Distinguished Alumni Award
Honouring the exceptional impact of his work on communities around the world.
MIA's Co-Medical Directors receive University of Sydney's Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Research
Awarded for their life-saving discoveries transforming melanoma patient care.
Aussies urged to mark start of summer by checking their skin
National day of action called amidst fears COVID lockdowns have deterred patients from seeking potentially life-saving medical treatment
Prof Georgina Long AO awarded the 2021 Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research
Recognising her pioneering work in immunotherapy in melanoma, transforming the care of patients worldwide.
AMC2021 conference wrap-up
Clinicians and researchers from across Australia and beyond united online, bringing the AMC2021 conference theme of Promising Futures to life.
Journalist and news reader Peter Overton our new National Ambassador
Melanoma Institute Australia is proud to announce that the Nine Network’s Peter Overton AM has joined us as a National Ambassador.
MIA researchers feature on prestigious Highly Cited Researchers 2021 List
MIA is proud to announce that five of our researchers have been named on the Clarivate Annual Highly Cited Researchers™ 2021 list.
New research into importance of skin surveillance to save lives from melanoma
New research shows routine skin checks by a health professional, coupled with checking your own skin, are vital in saving lives from melanoma.
Game On Mole - saving lives this summer
With new patient figures indicating people may have deferred skin checks during the pandemic our Game On Mole campaign is more important than ever.
Melanoma March physical events in 2022
We are excited to announce a return to our much-loved physical Melanoma March events in March 2022!
Community Fundraising Wrap Up July-Sept 2021
Read more about the wonderful MIA community fundraising initiatives held recently.
Australian researchers spearhead paradigm shift in melanoma treatment
Drug therapy set to become standard treatment in high-risk early stage patients to stop disease spread
Melanoma Bike Bash 2021: What a ride!
Over two fun, yet challenging, days in September an intrepid group of riders and crew successfully completed the annual Melanoma Bike Bash in WA!
Prof Georgina Long AO awarded inaugural Outstanding Female Researcher Medal from AAHMS
Prof Long AO has been recognised by Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences for her transformative work advancing melanoma treatments.
MIA researchers awarded $7.2m in NHMRC grants for health research
Three MIA researchers at University of Sydney received grants to further their important melanoma research.
Amie St Clair Ball in Wagga postponed for a third time
COVID restrictions continue to impact fundraising for melanoma services in Riverina.