Trending News Today: Roche Seeks Expanded Approval for Breast Cancer Drug

A new study found that chronic pain is the most commonly cited reason for enrollment in state-approved medical marijuana programs, The Associated Press reported. According to the article, the Health Affairs analysis was based on 2016 data from the 15 states that reported the reasons given for using marijuana. Stiffness from multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-related nausea were also commonly cited reasons, the article reported.

Roche announced it applied for FDA approval for post-surgical use of its breast cancer drug, Kadcyla, in women with a form of early stage breast cancer who still show signs of disease after treatment with Herceptin and chemotherapy, Reuters reported. According to the article, approval of Kadycla for this use would help Roche secure a big share of Herceptin sales as biosimilar copies enter the market. Kadycla is currently already approved for patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor 2-positive breast cancer, the article reported.

Hawaii is aiming to secure a phased ban on cigarette sales in the state by 2024, CNN reported. According to the article, the new bill calls for raising the cigarette-buying age to 30 by next year, and then up to 40, 50, and 60 in each subsequent year until reaching 100 by 2024. The age limits would only apply to cigarettes and not e-cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, the article reported.