The China Food and Drug Administration granted priority review and approval status to Eisai Co. Ltd.'s Lenvima to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.

The regulator implemented the priority review and approval status in February 2016 to shorten the drug approval process.

Lenvima, also known as Kisplyx or lenvatinib, is currently approved for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries.

The company has submitted applications for an additional indication for Lenvima for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the U.S., Europe, China, Taiwan and Japan.