Genentech's Herceptin receives FDA approval

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a biotech drug for treating cancer of the stomach and esophageal junction.

Genentech, a subsidiary of Swiss drug maker Roche, announced Wednesday the approval of Herceptin (trastuzumab) as a treatment for cancer of the stomach that includes the HER2 gene and has spread to other parts of the body, when combined with chemotherapy. The drug has long since had approval as a treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.

“Today’s approval of Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy provides an important new, personalized medicine for people with this life-threatening disease who have few treatment options,” Genentech EVP product development and chief medical officer Hal Barron said.