(Reuters Health)—Many drugs granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lack clear evidence of safety and effectiveness, and the same is true for most high-risk medical devices, according to two new reports in JAMA, online Aug. 15. The Accelerated Approval pathway makes potentially promising investigational medicines available for use before the…
(Reuters)—Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. said on Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its oral drug to treat a condition associated with gout. The company’s once-daily drug, Duzallo (lesinurad and allopurinol), was approved to treat hyperuricemia in patients with gout, Ironwood said. Duzallo combines the standard-of-care treatment, allopurinol, with Ironwood’s lesinurad to treat inefficient…
Opana ER Pulled from U.S. Market Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Endo Pharmaceuticals to remove oxymorphone hydrochloride extended release (Opana ER) from the U.S. market due to public health consequences related to abuse. The agency has concerns that the risks presented by the treatment do not outweigh its benefits.1 On…
The FDA has approved abatacept to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis. In clinical trials, the treatment has proved effective in both intravenous and subcutaneous forms…
WASHINGTON (Reuters)—Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Thursday discussed ways to prevent drugmakers from using rules developed to safeguard patients to instead block the sale of cheaper medicines. The focus at a hearing, held by members of the House Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee, was on the use by some brand name drug companies of a U.S….
Romosozumab’s Future Is Uncertain Romosozumab, which has the possible U.S. brand name Evenity, is awaiting approval from the FDA.1 The treatment is an investigational, injectable biologic for treating osteoporosis. It increases bone formation and bone density, reducing a patient’s risk of fractures. The manufacturer no longer expects the FDA to approve the drug this year…
In drug news, a generic 2% diclofenac sodium solution is now available, denosumab is promising to treat osteoporosis, and the FDA has approved sarilumab to treat adults with RA…