FDA Approves Gilead’s Zydelig For Treating Three Blood Cancers

The Food and Drug Administration said July 23 that it approved Zydelig (idelalisib) to treat patients with three types of blood cancers.

Zydelig is marketed by Gilead Sciences, which is based in Foster City, Calif. The agency said Zydelig is being granted traditional approval to treat patients whose chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has returned. Used in combination with Rituxan (rituximab), Zydelig is for patients for whom Rituxan alone would be considered appropriate therapy due to other existing medical conditions (co-morbidities). Rituxan is marketed by Biogen Idec and Roche’s Genentech unit.

Zydelig is the fifth new drug with breakthrough therapy designation ...