Venetoclax, a small molecule designed to selectively bind and inhibit the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein, was found worthy in a pivotal phase II study in previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who harbor the 17p deletion, and partners Genentech Inc. and Abbvie Inc. said they'll move directly to filings with the FDA and EMA, expected by year-end.