Genentech, the South San Francisco-based unit of Roche, said it has filed an application with the FDA for clearance to start marketing a new skin cancer drug discovered by Berkeley, CA-based Plexxikon. The drug, vemurafenib (PLX4032), has shown an ability to extend lives of patients with patients with a specific form of melanoma. Genentech’s parent company, Roche, has also submitted an application for the drug in the European Union. Plexxikon agreed in February to be acquired by Japan-based Daiichi Sankyo for $805 million upfront, based largely on the global prospects for the new melanoma drug. Detailed clinical trial results will be presented in June at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting.
