FDA approves ponatinib (Iclusig) to treat two rare types of leukemia in adult patients

The orphan drug will treat adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), two rare blood and bone marrow diseases.  The product label includes a black box warning regarding possibility of blood clots and liver toxicity.  The medication was approved three months ahead of schedule and offers hope for patients who are intolerant or resistant to standard therapies. What other medications were recently approved to treat these two types of leukemia?

Please see the FDA for more information.  “Image courtesy of [Michelle Meiklejohn]/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net“