Major FDA approval: 'Veppanu', the first PROTAC therapy for breast cancer, receives approval

• On May 1, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to vepdegestrant (brand name: Veppanu), marking a significant milestone in breast cancer treatment.

• This drug is specifically approved for treating adult patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive), HER2-negative, and harbors an ESR1 gene mutation.

• The drug was jointly developed by Arvinas Operations, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

• Notably, this is the world's first drug based on Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology to receive FDA approval.

• Vepdegestrant is an oral medication approved for patients whose disease has progressed following at least one line of endocrine therapy.

• The drug is intended for use only in patients who have been confirmed to have an ESR1 gene mutation via an FDA-authorized test.

• This approval is considered a significant step towards personalized and more precise cancer treatment.