EMA committee backs subcutaneous Herceptin

Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) said EMA's CHMP backed approval of a subcutaneous formulation of Herceptin trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer. The recommendation sent shares of Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO) up $1.58 (25%) to $7.95 on Friday; subcutaneous Herceptin is formulated using Halozyme's Enhanze recombinant human hyaluronidase ( rHuPH20) drug delivery technology. Roche said subcutaneous administration of Herceptin is less invasive and takes two to five minutes instead of 30-90 minutes with the approved IV administration (see BioCentury Extra, March 23, 2012). ...