Approval sought for new cancer drug Genasense

Genta Inc. and Aventis SA are applying for FDA approval for their malignant melanoma (skin cancer) drug Genasense. This drug uses antisense technology to reduce the protein in cancer cells that resists cancer treatment. The goal would be to treat patients with Genasense before chemotherapy drugs to allow the drugs to be more effective. Genasense is also being tested for use in multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.