Olmutinib: First Global Approval

Olmutinib (Olita(TM)) is an oral, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) that is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd for the treatment of non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC). Third-generation EGFR TKIs with covalent binding to the receptors demonstrate irreversible enzymatic inhibition of activating EGFR mutations and T790M mutation (a common reason for acquired EGFR TKI resistance), while sparing wild-type EGFR. In December 2015, olmutinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation in NSCLC by the US FDA. In May 2016, olmutinib received its first global approval in South Korea for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of olmutinib leading to this first approval.