FDA OKs new version of Abbott Labs cancer drug

Abbott Laboratories said Monday that the Food and Drug Administration has approved a formulation of its prostate cancer treatment Lupron Depot that allows patients to receive treatment every six months.

The Libertyville Township-based company in Lake County said the additional formulation gives it four, including ones that allow patients to receive treatment every month, three months or four months.

Lupron is used as a palliative treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It suppresses the production of the hormone testosterone, which can help slow or stop the growth of hormone-dependent cancer cells and may relieve pain.

Abbott said it did a 48-week study involving 151 patients. They received injections every six months and were followed for a year. The company said testosterone suppression was sustained through the treatment period.

Shares of Abbott Labs climbed 43 cents to $52.11 in late morning trading, while broader trading indexes were up less than 1 percent.