FDA approves expanded use of Tarceva

MELVILLE, N.Y. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Genentech and OSI Pharmaceuticals for a new use in lung cancer patients, OSI said Friday.

The agency approved Tarceva (erlotinib) as a maintenance therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The drug already has approval for treating advanced-stage pancreatic cancer when combined with Eli Lilly’s chemotherapy drug Gemzar (gemcitabine).

“We are delighted that lung cancer patients and their physicians will have the option of beginning Tarceva therapy in the first-line maintenance setting,” OSI CEO Colin Goddard said.