GSK receives complete response letter for Avodart

LONDON — The Food and Drug Administration declined to approve a regulatory approval application from British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline concerning a cancer drug, GSK said Wednesday.

GSK said the FDA issued a complete response letter for its application seeking approval for Avodart (dutasteride) to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men at increased risk of developing the disease. The drug already is approved to treat enlarged prostate.

The FDA issues a complete response letter when it has finished reviewing an approval application, but issues remain that preclude final approval. GSK did not specify what issues the FDA had cited.