1. Scrip
  2. >>New Products

FDA Approval Makes Deciphera’s Qinlock First Fourth-Line GIST Drug

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Qinlock (ripretinib), approved as the US FDA rejected Blueprint Medicines’ Ayvakit (avapritinib) in the same indication, is priced on par with the rival drug cleared in January for a narrower GIST use.

3d render illustration of human digestive system - front view
Qinlock is the first fourth-line GIST drug approved in the US

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc. is prepared to launch Qinlock (ripretinib) for adults with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) previously treated with three other kinase inhibitors, including Novartis AG’s Gleevec (imatinib), via virtual meetings with cancer doctors after the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug while simultaneously rejecting a rival product from Blueprint Medicines Corp. in the same fourth-line GIST indication.

Like all companies with new drug launches in 2020, Deciphera must deal with the challenges of COVID-19. However, the company has been preparing for a potential early approval of Qinlock that would require sales representatives to pitch the drug to oncologists via video chat rather than through in-person visits. (Also see "Bad For Pharma: Sales Reps And Patients Are Staying Home" - Scrip, 18 March, 2020

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from New Products

In Brief: US FDA Delay Sends Biohaven Shares Down

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

The US regulator’s decision has taken Biohaven and investors by surprise, with the reason for a ‘major amendment’ status not clear.

Strong Showing For Bayer’s Pharma Business In Uncertain Times

 
• By Kevin Grogan

As CEO Anderson backs high prices for innovative drugs in Europe

Biopharma Deals ROI Has Fallen And Market Instability Could Make It Worse

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Rising biotech valuations mean return on investment on some deals is non-existent for big pharma, though certain strategies will improve chances of success, a new analysis has found.

Pipeline Watch: Six Approvals And Thirteen Phase III Readouts

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

More from Scrip

Novo Nordisk’s CEO Forced Out After Falling Behind In GLP-1 Battle

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Company surprises investors with Jørgensen's exit but insists its strategy will not change.

In Brief: US FDA Delay Sends Biohaven Shares Down

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

The US regulator’s decision has taken Biohaven and investors by surprise, with the reason for a ‘major amendment’ status not clear.

Executives On The Move: Pathos Procures CEO From AstraZeneca, New CEO For TME Pharma, And More

Recent moves in the industry include changes at the top at Akamis Bio, Innospera Pharma & Ispen, plus Astellas Korea appoints an ex-Novartis Korea executive.