Novocure (NOCQ) Shares Surge After FDA Approval of Optune Pax for Pancreatic Cancer

FDA approved Optune Pax, Novocure’s (NOCQ) lomustine-loaded, electric-field therapy device, for treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. However, in the same decision, the agency granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for the device in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a critical factor in the stock's early rise on February 12, 2026. The Breakthrough Therapy designation is expected to expedite Novocure’s development and potential approval for pancreatic cancer, a major driver of its recent share gains. The company previously reported that its first-line treatment candidate showed promising results in a phase II trial.