Gilead Sciences receives EU approval for blood cancer drug

Gilead Sciences has announced that its new oral cancer therapy Zydelig has been approved in Europe for the treatment of two incurable forms of blood cancer.

The first-in-class therapy has received European Commission authorisation for use among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma, having proven it is able to improve overall survival rates and quality of life.

Among CLL patients, the drug is approved for use in combination with rituximab for patients who have received at least one prior therapy, or as first-line treatment in the presence of certain gene mutations in patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy.

Meanwhile, follicular lymphoma patients can use Zydelig as a monotherapy if their conditions have proven refractory to two prior lines of treatment.

Dr John Martin, chairman and chief executive officer of Gilead Sciences, said: "Gilead is pleased to be making a difference in the lives of people living with these blood cancers and we are committed to helping ensure timely access to the treatment for patients who may benefit from therapy."

Earlier this month, the firm reported positive clinical trial data underlining the benefits of a new combination therapy it is developing for pulmonary arterial hypertension.