Zolinza Approved by FDA to Treat CTCL

In early October, 2006, the drug Zolinza was approved by the FDA to treat CTCL (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma), a rare form of skin cancer.

Zolinza is permitted for use if the disease gets worse, persists, or recurs after treatment with other skin cancer medications. CTCL impacts about 3 in 1 million Americans per year, and was thus approved under the FDA’s Orphan Drug Program, which offer companies incentives for treating diseases which affect fewer than 200,000 Americans each year.

Zolinza is manufactured by Pantheon, Inc., for the drug giant Merck & Co.

The drug is not recommended for pregnant women, as animal studies indicate it could cause fetal harm.