Revolution Medicines' pancreatic cancer drug wins FDA approval, validating long-sought mechanism

The FDA approved Rasonque, a once-daily pill for metastatic pancreatic cancer, developed by Revolution Medicines. The drug targets the RAS protein, previously considered undruggable, and doubled median survival compared to chemotherapy. Investors see this as proof that the mechanism works, potentially opening doors for broader cancer treatments.

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The approval covers patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have progressed after one prior treatment or cannot receive combination chemotherapy, with no requirement for a specific RAS mutation test beforehand. Trial data showed median survival of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months on standard chemotherapy, a 60% reduction in death risk, along with delayed disease progression and slower deterioration in pain and quality of life.

Revolution Medicines has set a list price of $39,800 per 30-day supply, with a support program allowing eligible insured patients to pay as little as nothing. An expanded access program launched in May has already reached more than 2,000 patients. The company is also advancing daraxonrasib through late-stage lung cancer trials, and RAS mutations appear in roughly a