FDA Approves New Pancreatic Cancer Drug, Doubling Survival Rate in Key Trial
August 26, 2026
The FDA approved Revolution Medicines' oral therapy Rasonque (daraxonrasib) for adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have already received prior systemic therapy.
In a 500-patient late-stage trial, daraxonrasib significantly extended average overall survival to 13.2 months versus 6.6 months with chemotherapy.
Officials and trial leader Dr. Brian Wolpin hailed the results as a meaningful advancement in a hard-to-treat cancer, while noting the approval is not a cure.
The report places the approval within a broader health news segment, alongside related health stories and public health context.
The monthly list price is $39,800, with anticipated substantial insurance coverage and variable out-of-pocket costs.
Complete regulatory details and patient-impact data beyond the excerpt would require sourcing from the full report.
Long-term cost and access remain uncertain, and Revolution Medicines did not immediately comment.
Clinical trials are pivotal for expanding treatment options, establishing new standards of care, and balancing benefits with potential risks like side effects and increased toxicity.
Common side effects include skin rash, mouth sores, diarrhea, and other digestive issues, but doctors view the drug as a meaningful option rather than a cure.
More than 2,000 patients had access through an early access program since May, and the company aims to broaden insurance coverage.
Patient experiences include reduced nausea and fatigue and the ability to resume daily activities, as illustrated by Barbara Andes after starting treatment post-chemotherapy.
Summary based on 12 sources
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Sources

AP News • Aug 26, 2026
Pancreatic cancer drug approval: FDA OKs Revolution Medicines' daily pills | AP News
Gizmodo • Aug 26, 2026
A Game-Changing Drug for Pancreatic Cancer Just Got FDA Approval
CNN • Aug 26, 2026
Revolution’s pancreatic cancer drug wins speedy FDA approval
The Guardian • Aug 26, 2026
FDA gives expedited approval to new groundbreaking pancreatic cancer drug