FDA approves Genentech drug for advanced lung cancer

The Food and Drug Administration has approved an experimental Genetech drug for patients with a certain type of lung cancer who have few other options.

Alecensa (AL'-eh-sehn-sah) was approved for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with a mutation in a gene called ALK who have relapsed after treatment with Pfizer Inc.'s Xalkori or who could not tolerate that drug.

The mutation in ALK, or anaplastic lymphoma kinase, indirectly drives growth of tumors.

Alecensa, known chemically as alectinib, is the only lung cancer drug also approved for treating lung cancer that has spread to the brain.

Genentech, part of Swiss drugmaker Roche Group, will have a list price of about $12,500 per month before discounts negotiated with insurers.