New KRAS-targeting drug daraxonrasib approved for pancreatic cancer as experts call for $100 billion NIH budget

The FDA has approved daraxonrasib, a therapy from Revolution Medicines that targets the KRAS mutation in pancreatic cancer. The drug is intended for patients who have already received treatment and offers a new mechanism of action against a historically undruggable target.

In a clinical trial the drug nearly doubled the survival rate for participants, a notable improvement for a disease with limited options. The KRAS mutation is present in most pancreatic tumors and has long been associated with poor prognosis.

Reed Jobs, an investor in Revolution Medicines, uses the approval to argue that the United States should raise the NIH budget to $100 billion annually. He contends that stronger federal funding is needed to sustain breakthroughs like this and to expand research capacity.

If the NIH receives increased funding, the pipeline for innovative therapies could accelerate, benefiting both patients and biotech investors.