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FDA Expands Approval Of Prostate Cancer Drug

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has expanded approval of Johnson & Johnson's prostate cancer pill Zytiga for men with an earlier stage of the disease.

The agency says Zytiga is now approved for late-stage prostate cancer patients who have not yet received chemotherapy, based on study results showing it can extend life by up to five months when taken by men in that group.

The FDA previously approved the drug in April 2011 who for men with prostate cancer who have already taken the chemotherapy drug docetaxel.

Zytiga works by decreasing the male hormone testosterone.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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