FDA warns against combining hepatitis C treatment, some HIV drugs

The FDA is revising the label of boceprevir, a recently approved hepatitis C treatment, to warn about co-administration with certain HIV medicines. Taking boceprevir with some HIV drugs, including ritonavir, might increase the...[more]

BSE is confirmed in Calif. dairy cow

The USDA has confirmed a California dairy cow had bovine spongiform encephalopathy. USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. John Clifford said the meat was not headed for the food supply. USA TODAY (4/25), MSNBC/The Associated Press,...[more]

Orphan-drug status is sought for hepatitis D treatment

Medgenics sought orphan-drug status from the FDA for its hepatitis D treatment Infradure. The firm expects the designation to be confirmed next quarter. Proactive Investors

Source: AABBsmartbrief[more]

Strong demand seen for hemophilia, immune therapies

Baxter International reported strong demand for devices and therapies for hemophilia, trauma and immune disorders, as well as for anesthesia products. Baxter is planning to build a facility in Georgia to broaden its plasma...[more]

Hemophilia B drug submitted for FDA approval

Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals submitted IB1001 for consideration by the FDA. The bleeding-prevention therapy is an intravenous recombinant factor IX product for patients with hemophilia B. Mass High Tech (Boston)

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Hema Quebec considers change to CJD-related blood donor criteria

Hema Quebec is considering allowing people who lived in Europe during an outbreak of mad cow disease to donate blood, as more scientific information about the disease becomes available. Since the late 1990s, Quebec has deferred...[more]

Blood safety studies could lead to changes in MSM policy

The FDA's long-standing blood donor deferral policy -- which mandates indefinite deferral of men who have sex with men -- is being debated. The agency said studies are being conducted that could lead to re-evaluation of the...[more]