Category Archives: Drug Safety Information Podcasts

FDA clears test for bacteria that can cause serious intestinal disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared a test called the Cepheid Xpert C. difficile/Epi assay that is designed to rapidly detect the toxin B gene associated with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a cause of diarrhea that can lead to colitis, other serious intestinal conditions and death in severe cases.

FDA proposes draft menu and vending machine labeling requirements, invites public to comment on proposals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued two proposed regulations regarding calorie labeling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, retail food establishments, and vending machines. The FDA invites input on the proposed regulations by visiting http://www.regulations.gov. (SY)

FDA Issues Statement on Makena

On February 3, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) for the reduction of the risk of certain preterm births in women who have had at least one prior preterm birth. KV Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s owner, received considerable assistance from the federal government in connection with the development of Makena by relying on research funded by the National Institutes of Health to demonstrate the drug’s effectiveness. It also obtained seven years of exclusivity under the Orphan Drug Act, obtained approval under FDA’s accelerated approval program, and received expedited review.