New Brain Tumor Liquid Treatment Receives Recommendation
The liquid suspension provides a new option for patients with malignant brain tumors who may struggle with capsules.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer
The European Medicines Agency's CHMP recommended approval for Kizfizo, a new 40 mg/mL temozolomide oral suspension, for treating adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and patients aged 1 year or older with recurrent malignant glioma. This regulatory step brings a liquid alternative to the established capsule formulation for patients who may struggle with solid medication.
Why it matters
New treatment formulations are critical for patients, particularly children, who may have difficulty swallowing capsules. By providing a liquid suspension of temozolomide, this option aims to improve medication accessibility and adherence for individuals managing aggressive brain tumors.
A Phase 3 trial of 573 patients showed a hazard ratio for death of 0.63 with combined therapy versus radiotherapy alone. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was observed in 7% of participants in the trial.
The players
European Medicines Agency
The regulatory body overseeing the evaluation and safety monitoring of human medicines across the European Union.
Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP)
The specific committee within the European Medicines Agency that assesses medicinal products for authorization.
The details
Kizfizo utilizes temozolomide as its active substance, which functions by damaging tumor cell DNA and disrupting the natural DNA repair processes within cancer cells. This mechanism effectively forces the cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death. The bioequivalence of the new liquid suspension to the existing capsule form was confirmed through a randomized crossover study involving 36 adults with glioma.
Timeline
January 26, 1999: Temodal capsule formulation authorized in EU.
August 22, 2025: Kizfizo received orphan medicinal product designation.
October 2026: CHMP recommended Kizfizo oral suspension.
Health Landscape
The introduction of Kizfizo follows the long-standing use of Temodal, which has been the standard oral temozolomide therapy since 1999. This development represents an evolution in delivery methods for established chemotherapy, aiming to expand treatment access for vulnerable populations.
Patients and caregivers should discuss the potential availability of this liquid formulation with their oncology team if swallowing standard capsules is a challenge. Hematologic monitoring remains a standard safety consideration for patients receiving temozolomide-based therapies.
The takeaway
The addition of a liquid suspension broadens the options for patients managing malignant brain tumors. As this medication nears potential authorization, maintain close communication with your clinical team to understand how new delivery formulations may fit into your current treatment plan.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment standards and research advancements, visit the Cancer section.
