Bristol-Myers Squibb receives Sprycel approval

Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Sprycel (dasatinib) will help to meet the needs of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have a resistance or intolerance to Gleevac (imatinib mesylate), it has been claimed.

Dr Hagop Kantarjian from the Anderson Cancer Centre made this comment after it was announced the Food and Drug Administration had fully permitted the treatment.

Based on its effectiveness on haematologic and cytogenetic response rates in sufferers of the disease, the oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor had previously been granted accelerated approval regulations.

Now, the complete authorisation is partly due to data from a phase III trial, which investigated the drug on 670 patients for whom Gleevac was not useful.

Dr Kantarjian commented: “The two-year follow-up data further supports the use of Sprycel as an important treatment option for this patient population.”

Earlier this month, Bristol-Myers Squibb discussed results from investigations that suggested the drug could be effective aiding a certain type of advanced prostate cancer.

Vice-president of the company’s Sprycel development team Dr David Shapiro said the data was promising, adding the medication would be developed to treat a number of life-threatening tumour types.