FDA Approves Cephalon’s Leukemia Drug Treanda

Boston (dbTechno) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug from Cephalon Inc. The new drug is called Treanda, and is an injectable drug used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Cephalon is hopeful that the drug Treanda will be available to physicians and patients as early as next month.

The drug will treat the blood and bone marrow disease known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This is a very slow disease in regards to its progression.

Cephalon has also filed a brand new drug application for Treanda to help with patient treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Dr. Lesley Russell, executive vice president for worldwide medical and regulatory operations for Cephalon stated “This approval by FDA represents a significant milestone in the growth of our oncology business.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 15,000 new cases of this form of leukemia each year in the U.S.

Shares of Cephalon immediately rose when the announcement was made.