Novel leukemia therapy gets a fast track from US regulators

Posted: Jul 11, 2014

As a myeloma warrior myself, I am keenly interested in articles like this one. A novel drug gets fast tracked to market approval in cancer treatment-- specifically a blood cancer treatment. How does this relate to myeloma? I'm asking the experts so stay tuned. When I get more info, I promise to share. But the bigger theme is that some drugs are getting approved for use by us cancer survivors faster than ever, which means better treatments and cures are possible. And time is of the essence when it comes to cancer treatments. All the best in fighting and winning! Lizzy Smith US regulators fast-track novel leukemia therapy July 7, 2014 Washington (AFP) - US regulators on Monday put an experimental immunotherapy agent on the fast track to market approval, after 89 percent of leukemia patients in early trials saw their cancers disappear.

The personalized immunotherapy known as CTL019 was developed by the University of Pennsylvania and was designated a "breakthrough therapy" by the US Food and Drug Administration.

That means the experimental therapy will benefit from a speedier than average review process and will get extra attention from the FDA toward development for market.

about the author
Lizzy Smith

Lizzy Smith was diagnosed with myeloma in 2012 at age 44. Within days, she left her job, ended her marriage, moved, and entered treatment. "To the extent I'm able, I want to prove that despite life's biggest challenges, it is possible to survive and come out stronger than ever," she says.