BETHESDA, Md--The FDA has approved Burroughs Wellcome's Navelbine (vinorelbine tartrate) for the first-line treatment of ambulatory patients with unresectable, advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Navelbine, an intravenous therapy given on an outpatient basis, is the first new drug approved for NSCLC in 20 years. It is indicated for use as a single agent for treating patients with stage IV NSCLC and in combination with cisplatin (Platinol) for treating stage III or IV disease. A fuller report on Navelbine's approval will appear in the February issue of ONI.