Biologics

FDA Approves Genentech’s Gazyva for Follicular Lymphoma

FDA has approved a Genentech supplemental BLA for Gazyva (obinutuzumab) plus bendamustine chemotherapy followed by Gazyva alone as a new treatment for people with follicular lymphoma who did not respond to a Rituxan (rituximab)-containing regimen, or whose follicular lymphoma returned after such treatment. Follicular lymphoma is the most common slow-growing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), according to the company, and accounts for about 20% of NHL cases each year.

Approval is based on data from the Phase 3 GADOLIN study, which showed that Gazyva plus bendamustine followed by Gazyva alone demonstrated a 52% reduction in the risk of disease worsening or death compared to bendamustine alone, as assessed by an independent review committee. The most common Grade 3-4 side effects of the Gazyva regimen were low white blood cell counts, infusion reactions and low platelet counts, Genentech says.

Gazyva is also approved in combination with chlorambucil for people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome