On February 12th, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cosela (trilaciclib) for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) (cancer which has spread outside of the lung) to help reduce the frequency of chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression in adults receiving certain types of chemotherapy. The FDA based their approval off of three different clinical trials which showed that patients receiving Cosela along with their chemotherapy had a lower chance of getting neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and those that did experience neutropenia had it for a shorter period of time.

Cosela is a first in class drug for ES-SCLC patients meant to protect bone marrow health and increase quality of life.

“Quite often, people diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer rely on chemotherapy to not only extend their lives, but also to acutely alleviate their symptoms… Unfortunately, the vast majority will experience chemotherapy-induced side effects, resulting in dose delays and reductions, and increased utilization of healthcare services. We are thrilled to see new advancements that can help improve the lives of those living with small cell lung cancer.” -Bonnie J. Addario, Co-Founder and Board Chair, GO2 for Lung Cancer

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