The United Kingdom approves Zepzelca® (lurbinectedin) by PharmaMar in combination with atezolizumab for first-line maintenance treatment of small cell lung cancer

On September 24, 2026 PharmaMar (MSE: PHM) reported that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted approval in the United Kingdom for Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) as a first-line maintenance treatment for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), whose disease has not progressed following first-line induction therapy with atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide.

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This approval is based on the results of the Phase III IMforte trial.[1]

According to the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), 37,750 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in England only in 2023. Since small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases, this would correspond to roughly to 5,700 SCLC cases annually[2].

With this authorization, the United Kingdom joins the list of the territories where this combination has been approved, bringing the total number to 21, including the European Union (EU) and the United States.

(Press release, PharmaMar, SEP 24, 2026, View Source [SID1234671047])