Shorla Oncology Announces FDA Filing Acceptance of New Drug Application to Treat Certain Forms of Leukemia and Other Cancers

On Apr 9, 2024

Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for SH-201, the first palatable oral liquid of the related chemotherapeutic agent to treat certain forms of leukemia and other cancers. The Agency assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) action date of November 30, 2024.

“With this NDA acceptance for SH-201, we are a step closer to providing an alternative treatment to thousands of U.S. patients diagnosed with leukemia and other cancers who do not currently have the option of an oral liquid,” said Sharon Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. “Submitting this drug to the FDA for review is more than just a milestone for our company, it’s an important moment for all those impacted by this disease including patients, caregivers and clinicians.”

SH-201 is an oral liquid treatment that slows or stops the growth of certain forms of leukemia and other cancers such as:

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia – Affects approximately 9,280 new patients each year in the U.S.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – Impacts approximately 6,550 new patients each year in the U.S.

“The FDA’s action today ensures that Shorla is well positioned to bring this innovative oral drug to market,” said Orlaith Ryan, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. “SH-201 addresses key areas of unmet need by providing a palatable liquid treatment option for patients suffering with cancer.”

This milestone for SH-201 follows acceptance to file announced in January of this year for SH-105, a novel, differentiated ready-to-dilute formulation for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the breast or ovary. It is progressing through FDA review. The company recently raised $35 million in Series B funding that has allowed Shorla to accelerate the growth of its oncology portfolio. Last year, the company launched Nelarabine for the treatment of T-cell Leukemia and JYLAMVO, the first and only oral methotrexate solution approved in the United States for use in adults for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other indications.