The FDA approves new Pfizer drug to treat kidney cancer

Pfizer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved their kidney cancer drug INLYTA (axinib). The treatment will be available for patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A trial showed that the kinase inhibitor, which is taken orally, proved to be more effective than sorafenib, the current standard in treating RCC patients. The drug works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR). “Through studying this drug we have learned that a VEGFR-targeted therapy can be effective following prior treatment options,”  explains Dr. Brian I. Rini, who served as principal investigator of the Pfizer-sponsored study. Those at the forefront of the fight against kidney cancer are hopeful about this new development. “The FDA approval of this new treatment represents a significant benefit for the many patients who are living with this type of kidney cancer and who are in need of additional treatment options," says William Bro, chief executive officer of the Kidney Cancer Association.