Herceptin was the first HER2-targeted therapy for breast cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2 receptors present on the surface of HER2-positive tumour cells, blocking them from receiving growth signals and flagging them for destruction by the immune system.
Herceptin SC is a subcutaneous formulation that contains hyaluronidase, which temporarily and reversibly degrades hyaluronan, a gel-like substance that forms a barrier between cells under the skin. This enables the subcutaneous formulation of Herceptin to be rapidly dispersed and absorbed over a greater area.
In the United States, Europe and many other countries, Herceptin SC is approved in combination with chemotherapy for the adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer and first-line treatment of advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. In Europe and other countries, it is also approved in combination with chemotherapy for the neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer.
In the United States, Herceptin SC is marketed as Herceptin Hylecta.