FDA Approves Breakthrough Pancreatic Cancer Drug Proven to Extend Survival

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday rubber-stamped a new drug to treat pancreatic cancer and substantially extend the lives of patients.

FDA Approves Breakthrough Pancreatic Cancer Drug Proven to Extend Survival

TL;DR

  • FDA approves daraxonrasib (Rasonque) for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
  • The drug works by inhibiting mutated RAS proteins, which regulate cell growth.
  • Clinical trials showed daraxonrasib nearly doubled median survival rates compared to chemotherapy (13.2 months vs. 6.7 months).
  • Former Senator Ben Sasse credited the drug with shrinking his tumor.
  • The drug is seen as a significant advance by experts and offers patients more time and potentially better quality of life.
  • A 30-day supply costs $39,800, with co-pay assistance available for insured patients.