The FDA has approved the first-ever commercial cancer treatment from Cambridge biotech Epizyme Inc.
Just a few years ago, Epizyme had given up on its potential cancer treatment and sold it to a Japanese drug company. On Thursday, the FDA approved the drug, Tazverik, to treat metastatic or locally advanced epitheliod sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer.
Tazverik is the first drug specifically designed for the cancer, which is diagnosed in 150 to 200 people each year, according to Epizyme. Once the cancer spreads or metastasizes, it is generally fatal within 16 months.
The drug is expected to cost $15,500 for a one-month supply.
