FDA panel recommends approval of Onyx myeloma drug

A blood cancer drug adopted by Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. through its acquisition of a small South San Francisco biotech company won an important endorsement Wednesday from a Food and Drug Administration panel.

The oncologic drugs advisory committee voted 11-0, with one panel member abstaining, to recommend that the FDA approve Kyprolis. The drug, also known as carfilzomib, is aimed at treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two other therapies.

The FDA isn’t required to follow the recommendation of the committee of experts but often does. The agency has until July 27 to make its decision.