FDA Panel Rejects Amgen Drug

The Food and Drug Administration’s cancer drug panel voted 12-1 this week to reject the use of Xgeva for prostate cancer.

The Amgen-produced drug is already used to treat osteoporosis and to prevent breaking of cancerous bones. Amgen had asked the FDA to allow the drug to be used to prevent prostate cancer in men.

The panel concluded that the increased risks of bone disease did not outweigh the potential health benefits. The panel’s decision is non-binding. A final determination will be made by the FDA later this year.