FDA APPROVES PYLARIFY AS THE FIRST AND ONLY COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PSMA PET IMAGING AGENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER
On May 27, 2021, Lantheus Holdings announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Pylarify, an F 18-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET imaging agent targeted to identify suspected metastasis or recurrence of prostate cancer. It is anticipated Pylarify will be broadly available across the U.S. by the end of the year.
A PARADIGM SHIFT IN PROSTATE CANCER IDENTIFICATION
Pylarify provides more accurate and earlier detection of prostate cancer than conventional imaging so that doctors and patients can make better-informed treatment decisions. In most cases, conventional imaging, especially in patients with low PSA levels, cannot identify the location and extent of prostate cancer. However, Pylarify was developed to target PSMA, a protein overexpressed on the surface of more than 90% of primary and metastatic prostate cancer cells. Pylarify binds to the target, enabling the PET scan to detect and locate the disease.
ARA TO OFFER PYLARIFY PENDING CMS APPROVAL
As soon as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approve coverage of Pylarify, ARA will be ready to offer this novel PET/CT imaging agent at multiple sites through our service region. Pylarify will also have a great second act in the future since a PSMA therapeutic agent is currently under evaluation for targeted prostate cancer therapy. Our molecular radiology team is poised to take advantage of this and other developments in the rapidly expanding field of theranostics in our new Midtown theranostic suite.
The advantages to patients that are becoming available through theranostics are immense and will increase the length and quality of life for patients with cancers treatable through this cutting-edge combination of targeted diagnostic imaging and therapy.