Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Among the major lung cancer-driving mutations, the G12C mutation that occurs on the KRAS gene is found in 15%-20% of lung cancers. Dubbed as the “Death Star” mutation, it was considered an undruggable cancer target for many decades.

In May 2021, the FDA created history by approving Amgen's Lumakras (sotorasib) to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12C mutation. Now, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also approved the drug for the same indication.

Following the MHRA approval, the NHS England and Amgen have reached an agreement to enable early access to this revolutionary drug for around 600 NHS patients a year.