FDA Approves Imbruvica To Treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The Food and Drug Administration Feb. 12 expanded the approved use of Imbruvica (ibrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who have received at least one previous therapy.

CLL is a rare blood and bone marrow disease that usually gets worse slowly, causing a gradual increase in white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells, the agency said. Imbruvica, which is manufactured by Pharmacyclics Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., works by blocking the enzyme that allows cancer cells to grow and divide.

In November 2013, the FDA granted Imbruvica accelerated approval to treat patients with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare ...