FDA approves once-daily pill for deadly cancer after patients' survival rates nearly double

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a new cancer treatment pill Wednesday.

Rasonque, manufactured by Revolution Medicines in California, is an inhibitor for the most common type of pancreatic cancer. The tablet, which is taken once daily, targets multiple forms of a protein called RAS that drives tumor growth.

In a press release, the FDA called Rasonque a "new treatment option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer," noting the agency approved it more than six months ahead of its review deadline.