FDA Approves New Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Drug
The FDA on Wednesday granted expedited approval to daraxonrasib, a pill that blocks a mutated protein fueling tumor growth in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.
- 13.2 months was the median survival for drug recipients, versus 6.7 months on chemotherapy.
- 500 patients with metastatic cancer unresponsive to prior treatment enrolled in the company-funded trial.
- 67,000 new U.S. pancreatic cancer cases and 52,000 deaths are projected this year.
- Approval came more than six months ahead of the FDA's original target date.
Why it matters: Pancreatic cancer's KRAS mutation was long considered undruggable because its structure prevented existing drugs from binding to it. Revolution Medicines used what it describes as a molecular glue to attach to multiple KRAS subtypes.
- "This is not a cure, it's one more option for these patients — but it's the best option we've ever had," said Dr. Pashtoon Kasi of City of Hope Orange County.
How 15 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage is broadly unified on the facts; the only point of difference is whether cost and access barriers receive prominent treatment.
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center treats this as a straightforward science and regulatory story, centering trial data, the genetic mechanism, and cautious optimism from treating physicians.
Associated Press2hFDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survivalCNCTV News2hFDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survival
Forbes1hFDA Approves Pancreatic Cancer Drug That Could Double Survival Time—What To Know About Rasonque
Jerusalem Post0mRevolution Medicines gets FDA approval for targeted pancreatic cancer drugTNDThe National Desk43m'A critical new option': FDA approves pill for advanced pancreatic cancerYNYahoo News2hFDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survivalLeft coverage, 5 sources: The left frames the approval as a landmark medical advance, leading with patient survival gains and the FDA's expedited timeline.
The Independent8mNew hope for pancreatic cancer patients after FDA approves drug shown to improve survival
CNN2hRevolution Medicines gets FDA nod for targeted pancreatic cancer drugTBGThe Boston Globe2hFDA approves new pancreatic cancer drug
The New York Times2hF.D.A. Approves the Drug Daraxonrasib That’s Poised to Transform Pancreatic Cancer
The Washington Post1hFDA approves ‘landmark’ pancreatic cancer drug that extends patients’ livesRight coverage, 4 sources: The right highlights the survival data and the FDA's speed, and is the only side to note the drug's expected high cost and uncertain out-of-pocket burden for patients.
Just the News1hFDA approves pancreatic cancer drug that nearly doubles survival time over chemotherapy
Daily Mail2hBreakthrough pancreatic cancer drug that DOUBLES survival gets FDA approval
New York Post1hFDA approves 'life-altering' pancreatic cancer drug that nearly doubles life expectancy
Newsmax2hFDA Approves New Targeted Pancreatic Cancer DrugWhat’s next: Wall Street analysts expect the drug to cost several hundred thousand dollars annually; insurance coverage details vary.
- Revolution Medicines is studying the same technology in lung cancer and other tumor types.
- What will the drug's list price be, and which insurers will cover it at what out-of-pocket cost to patients?
- Will the KRAS-targeting approach prove effective in lung cancer and other tumor types now in trials?