Formulary (March 25, 2011) - FDA has approved ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) to treat patients with late-stage (metastatic) melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Figures from the National Cancer Institute indicate an estimated 68,130 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the United States during 2010 and approximately 8,700 people died from the disease.

The last therapeutic to be approved for melanoma, Interleukin-2, benefits only 10% to 15% of those with advanced melanoma, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF).

Approval by FDA of Yervoy [ipilimumab] to treat patients with late-stage melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, illustrates the focus in R&D on more specific indications in areas of clinical need, Randy Vogenberg, PhD, principal at the Institute for Integrated Healthcare in Sharon, Mass., and executive director of the Biologic Access & Finance program at The Jefferson School of Population Health in Philadelphia, told Formulary. Melanoma has been emerging in diagnosis and treatment as Baby Boomers, Gen X and Yers are aging after years of enjoying sun at the beach or backyard pool. This is not only life threatening, but represents another example like smoking cessation of altering lifestyles for future generations while having to treat expensive illness in today's population, added Vogenberg, who is also author of Pharmacy Benefits: Plan Design and Management.