The Food and Drug Administration is bringing in reinforcements for those who suffer inoperable forms of melanoma. Zelboraf, which was recently approved by the government, joins Yervoy — approved in March — as new drugs that doctors believe will help patients live longer after treatment.

According to a UPI story, the director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research says it’s been a breakthrough year for melanoma treatment:

“This has been an important year for patients with late-stage melanoma. Zelboraf is the second new cancer drug approved that demonstrates an improvement in overall survival.”

The FDA green-lighted Zelboraf in its priority review program, a sped-up six-month review process used to review drugs that potentially make major treatment advances.

Breakthrough melanoma drug approved [UPI]

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