FDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survival

The FDA has approved daraxonrasib, an expedited, first-in-class pill for advanced pancreatic cancer with mutated proteins that drive tumor growth in more than 90% of cases. Sold in the U.S. by Revolution Medicines under the brand name Rasonque, the daily treatment was studied in 500 patients with metastatic cancer that had stopped responding to prior therapy. In the company-funded randomized trial, median survival was 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy, with fewer severe side effects. Common adverse effects included rash, mouth sores, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. The approval follows earlier expanded access and public attention tied to former Sen. Ben Sasse.