A new medicine that treats adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer has today been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) stops tumours making new blood vessels, which normally provide the tumour with nutrients and oxygen, slowing the growth of cancer.

The drug is used when other treatments have not worked. The recommended dose is 5mg once daily for three weeks, followed by seven days of rest.

A common side-effect of fruquintinib is a reduced number of blood platelets which can cause easy bruising or bleeding, joint pain and a decrease in appetite.

“Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high quality, safe and effective medical products are key priorities for us,” said Julian Beach, the MHRA’s interim executive director, healthcare quality and access.

“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met. As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”