A new subcutaneous formulation of PD-L1 immunotherapy atezolizumab will deliver time saving and convenience benefits for patients and oncology teams by avoiding the need for intravenous infusion , according to its maker, Roche.

It follows the registration of subcutaneous atezolizumab (Tecentriq SC) on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods for administration by a healthcare professional for the same indications as the IV formulation.

The availability of the product reputedly means administration time can be reduced from 30-60 minutes for IV to seven minutes on average for subcutaneous injection.

“Efficacy and safety will always be key considerations for oncologists, but when efficacy and safety are combined with convenience it is an appealing combination,” said Peter Mac oncologist Associate Professor Thomas John in a media release for drug company Roche.

“Subcutaneous PD-L1 immunotherapy offers potential time savings for busy oncology teams and hospitals, while freeing up patients from lengthy infusions,” he said.

“We can expect subcutaneous immunotherapy to become an attractive treatment option for many patients.”

The subcutaneous formulation has shown a comparative response rate and pharmacokinetic profile, as well as a similar safety profile to the intravenous formulation of atezolizumab in patients withpreviously treated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, according to Roche.

“Through pharmacokinetic-bridging, Roche has confirmed the suitability of Tecentriq SC across other cancer indications,” it said.

Indications for atezolizumab in Australia include resected early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic NSCLC, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCC), urothelial carcinoma and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.

Roche said it was now working with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and Department of Health to secure a PBS listing for the SC formulation.