Drugs

Genentech sNDA Submitted for Venclexta for Leukemia

Genentech has submitted a supplemental NDA for Venclexta (venetoclax) in combination with Gazyva (obinutuzumab) in people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and co-existing medical conditions. FDA is reviewing the application under the Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program, which aims to explore a more efficient review process to expedite treatments, the company says.

A breakthrough therapy designation was granted based on results of the randomized Phase 3 CLL14 study, evaluating the fixed-duration combination of Venclexta plus Gazyva, compared to Gazyva plus chlorambucil, in people with previously untreated CLL and co-existing medical conditions. The study, according to the company, met its primary endpoint and showed a statistically significant reduction in disease risk worsening or death (progression-free survival) compared to standard-of-care Gazyva plus chlorambucil.

Venclexta is being developed by AbbVie and Genentech. It is jointly being commercialized in the U.S. and commercialized by AbbVie elsewhere.

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