FDA Approves Viral Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma

Why it matters locally: This FDA approval provides a new treatment option for Mississippians battling advanced melanoma, particularly those for whom previous therapies have been ineffective. Access to this advanced immunotherapy could significantly impact patient outcomes across the state.

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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.