FDA Approves New Sprycel Indication For Treatment of Rare Blood Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration Oct. 28 approved a new indication for Sprycel (dasatinib) for the treatment of a rare blood cancer when it is first diagnosed.

The cancer, called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CP-CML), is a slowly progressing blood and bone marrow disease linked to a genetic abnormality, FDA said.

Sprycel, an oral kinase inhibitor, is believed to inhibit the activity of certain proteins responsible for the growth of cancer cells, the agency said. The action allows bone marrow to begin reproducing normal red and white blood cells. Sprycel is marketed by New York-based ...