DuPont has opened a new facility in Old Hickory, Tennessee to produce a nonwoven composite fabric (Suprel™). Used for hospital operating gowns and patient drapes, the fabric combines the strength of polyester and the softness of polyethylene. It offers greater freedom of movement and comfort for patients. cheap cialis canadian pharmacy
Patients with severe atopic dermatitis are often treated with systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and other drugs that can have serious adverse effects. Moreover, immunosuppressants should be taken only for a limited time because of the risk of organ toxicities.
To have the option of a targeted systemic drug that could work safely over the long term would be a welcome change. A small study at Oregon Health and Science University suggests that efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech), already approved for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, might be a solution. In the study, six of 10 patients improved by at least 50% over the 12-week treatment period.
Barrier Therapeutics has announced the FDA’s approval of the company’s application to add clinical data to the prescribing information for mequinol 2%, tretinoin 0.01% topical solution (Solage). The revised labeling states that Solage is safe and effective for darker skin types.
The new prescribing information includes data from a phase 4 post-approval study showing a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio in the treatment of solar lentigines in African-American, Asian, and Latin or Hispanic patients. These results were consistent with findings previously reported for Caucasians. canadian pharmacy cialis
In the U.S., the solution is used to treat solar lentigines; in Canada, it is also used to treat related hyperpigmented lesions.
Solage is the only FDA-approved combination skin-lightening agent that does not contain hydroquinone.
The FDA has approved once-daily levocetirizine dihydrochloride (Xyzal, UCB/Sanofi-Aventis), an antihistamine for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria. The medication is indicated for adults and children six years of age and older.
The approval was based primarily on the results of eight randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving more than 2,000 patients. Levocetirizine significantly reduced the severity of itching and the number and size of wheals. canada drugs pharmacy
Xyzal was first launched in Europe in 2001. The tablets are expected to be available in the U.S. during the 2007 fall allergy season.
The FDA has approved coated niacin (Niaspan, Abbott/Kos) extended-release tablets. Available since 1997, the product is indicated for boosting high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.
Three major clinical studies showed an average increase of 22% in HDL-C for patients receiving 2,000 mg of the product at bedtime.
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Niacin has several indications, including reducing levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B; promoting the regression of coronary atherosclerosis; and reducing the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction.
The FDA has approved an additional indication for human immune globulin IV (Rhophylac Rh0[D], CSL Behring) for the treatment of immune thrombo-cytopenic purpura (ITP). This product helps raise platelet counts in Rh0(D)-positive, non-splenectomized adults with chronic ITP.
This sterilized solution, obtained from pooled human plasma, was approved in 2004 for suppressing Rh isoimmuniza-tion in pregnancy and obstetric conditions and following an incompatible transfusion. It is used to prevent an immune response to Rh-positive blood in people with an Rh-negative blood type.
The FDA has approved the first vaccine in the U.S. for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian flu or bird flu.
The vaccine, made by Sanofi-Pasteur, could be used if the current H5N1 avian virus were to develop the capability to spread among humans. If such an influenza pandemic emerges, the vaccine may provide early limited protection in the months before a vaccine tailored to the pandemic strain of the virus could be produced.
The H5N1 virus is one version of the influenza A virus commonly found in birds. Unlike seasonal influenza, the disease caused by H5N1 is more severe and occurs quickly. Pneumonia and multi-organ failure are commonly seen.
