The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to Bristol Myers Squibb’s combination therapy for treating colorectal cancer in patients with a specific genetic mutation, as revealed on the health regulator’s website on Friday, reported various media outlets.


This latest approval follows results from an early- to mid-stage clinical trial involving 94 patients who had previously undergone treatment. In the study, participants received Bristol Myers' oral medication, Krazati, in conjunction with cetuximab.


Approximately 34% of the patients who received this combination therapy exhibited a partial or complete response. Additionally, the Krazati and cetuximab treatment extended the period during which patients lived without disease progression by an average of 6.9 months.


Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its drug portfolio by acquiring Mirati Therapeutics in January for up to $5.8 billion, thereby adding Krazati to its offerings. The drug had earlier secured accelerated FDA approval in 2022 for treating a type of advanced lung cancer with a mutated KRAS gene.


Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, responsible for about 10% of all cancer diagnoses. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.