Vor asidenib approval in UK gives Archie Goodburn new hope in brain cancer battle

Britain’s medicines regulator approved Vorasidenib on Wednesday as the first targeted therapy for this type of brain cancer in more than 20 years. The drug, taken daily, offers a potential alternative to traditional chemotherapy or radiotherapy for patients with low-grade IDH-mutant glioma, a category that includes oligodendrogliomas. Among the first beneficiaries is Archie Goodburn, a 24-year-old Scottish swimmer whose Olympic dreams were derailed by the diagnosis.

Goodburn was diagnosed in May 2024 after a private MRI followed a sequence of seizures that interrupted his training and raised concerns about his health. He had previously won bronze in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke at the 2019 World Junior Swimming Championships and had hoped to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Games, but a margin in trials and the seizures that disrupted his prep ended that run. Doctors confirmed three large oligodendrogliomas were inoperable, and chemotherapy or radiotherapy were initially the only options discussed. He described the moment as a profound turn in his life, noting that the seizures grew more frequent in the lead-up to the Olympic trials.

Vorasidenib, developed by Servier, is described as the first targeted therapy for this cancer type in more than two decades. Early results from international trials indicate the treatment can extend overall survival, increasing it from about 11 months to roughly 28 months in certain patient groups. After becoming eligible for Compassionate Use two months ago, Goodburn has been taking Vorasidenib while authorities assess broader access via the National Health Service. The drug is poised for submission to NICE for evaluation for NHS coverage.

Goodburn, who trains 11 times a week, is also pursuing a chemical engineering master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh with a focus on cancer drugs. He told The Times that prior to Vorasidenib, his tumours were deemed incurable and inoperable, and that the treatment offers a real chance to slow disease progression. “Vorasidenib has given me hope that I can compete in the Commonwealth Games,” he said, adding that he cannot look too far ahead and that periodic scans every three months determine whether the cancer is growing or dormant.

The drug’s UK approval follows a broader push to expand targeted therapies for brain cancers, and Servier officials emphasized that access remains a priority as the company works with health authorities to bring Vorasidenib to eligible patients. Paula Valencia, Servier UK’s general manager, said the approval marks an important step for people living with Grade 2 IDH-mutant glioma and highlighted ongoing conversations with government and health bodies to widen access.

Advocacy groups note that brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among under-40s, a reality underscored by limited research funding relative to other cancers. The approval has been welcomed by organizations focused on neuro-oncology, which say the availability of a targeted therapy could change the treatment landscape for many patients who, like Goodburn, face long-term survival hopes rather than a threshold where options are exhausted. The MHRA’s decision, followed by NICE’s formal appraisal for NHS deployment, will determine how quickly Vorasidenib reaches patients across the country.

Goodburn remains focused on both his health and his studies, balancing rigorous training with a demanding academic schedule. He is hopeful that advances like Vorasidenib will enable him to participate in the Commonwealth Games next year in Glasgow and to pursue his long-term goal of contributing to cancer drug research, drawing on his engineering training and clinical experiences. While the road ahead remains uncertain, his team emphasizes that the new therapy provides a tangible, evidence-based option that could slow disease progression and improve quality of life for many in a similar situation.