The European Commission approved an expanded use for Amgen’s leukemia therapy Blincyto in treating pediatric patients Aug. 29.

Based on results from a study of 93 pediatric patients, the approval allows its use in patients a year old or older with a particular type of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“Historically, children with relapsed or refractory all have had limited pharmacologic options beyond chemotherapy, resulting in poor outcomes,” said David Reese, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, in a news release.

The treatment is part of the Thousand Oaks biotech giant’s bispecific T-cell engager, or BiTE platform, which aims to help the body’s immune system target cancer cells.

“This approval for Blincyto provides physicians across Europe with an important new immunotherapy option for these young, heavily pretreated patients, delivering on Amgen’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients,” Reese said.

Amgen shares rose half a percent Aug. 29 to $199.75.

• Contact Marissa Nall at mnall@pacbiztimes.com.