Panel to consider new use for Tarceva

OSI Pharmaceuticals is looking to the FDA for a new approval for Tarceva. On Tuesday, the oncologic drugs advisory committee will consider whether Tarceva should be approved in tandem with chemotherapy as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. A 30-day supply of Tarceva wholesales for $2,330, and any new approval would significantly increase revenue generated by the drug. The FDA panel will also consider Abbott's Xinlay, a treatment for men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. In news reports Monday, FDA staffers questioned the clinical significance of the data presented by both drug developers.

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