FDA Approves Viral Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma

Why it matters locally: The approval of Tudriqev offers a new treatment option for Tennesseans battling advanced melanoma, particularly those for whom previous therapies have been ineffective. This development could impact patient care at facilities across the state.

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Tudriqev (vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg) for advanced melanoma. This approval specifically targets cases of the skin cancer that have not responded to prior treatments. Tudriqev is a genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy. It works by infecting and replicating within cancer cells, causing them to burst and release new viruses and tumor-associated antigens, which can then stimulate an immune response against the cancer.