FDA panel unanimously backs Onyx cancer drug - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

FDA panel unanimously backs Onyx cancer drug

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WASHINGTON -

A federal panel of cancer specialists has unanimously recommended approval of an experimental drug from Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. for patients with advanced blood cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel voted 11-0, with one abstention, in favor of the drug (carfilzomib) as a treatment for patients with advanced forms of multiple myeloma that hasn't responded to other drugs.

The FDA is not required to follow the group's advice but often does. A final decision is expected by July 27.

FDA scientists raised safety concerns about the drug, including toxic side effects affecting the heart and lungs.

But FDA's panelists said the drug could be an important treatment for patients with few other options.

Over 50,000 people have multiple myeloma in the U.S., and about 20,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.

(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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