FDA expands access to drug helping pancreatic cancer patients
Summary
The FDA will let some pancreatic cancer patients use a new drug called daraxonrasib before it is fully approved. This drug has shown better survival times in clinical trials compared to traditional chemotherapy and is available through a program for serious illnesses.Key Facts
- Daraxonrasib is a pill taken three times daily that blocks a signal causing cancer cells to grow.
- In tests, patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer lived a median of 13 months on daraxonrasib versus about six months with chemotherapy.
- Former Senator Ben Sasse said the drug significantly reduced his tumor size and pain.
- The FDA approved daraxonrasib for use under the expanded access (compassionate use) program.
- This program allows patients with serious conditions to try drugs not yet fully approved outside clinical trials.
- Patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and no other options can use this drug.
- The FDA approved expanded access just two days after the request from Revolution Medicine.
- Pancreatic cancer has a low five-year survival rate of about 13.7% and is responsible for a high percentage of cancer deaths.
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