FDA approves use of experimental Ebola drug

[Rhiannon12866]

Source: The Hill

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved the use of an experimental drug that has been hailed as one of the pharmaceutical industry's best chances at fighting the Ebola virus.

Chimerix, a North Carolina-based biopharmaceutical company, announced Monday that it has received approval to administer an antiviral drug called brincidofovir that has successfully treated Ebola in lab tests.

The drug has also been tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, though it is not expected to win approval for wide public use until late 2016.

"We are hopeful that brincidofovir may offer a potential treatment for Ebola Virus Disease during this outbreak," the company's president and CEO, M. Michelle Berrey, said in a release.

Read more: http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/219856-fda-approves-use-of-experimental-ebola-drug

[peace13]

1. Just in time......

Or is that a strange coincidence? Better give it the sniff test. Is Rummy any where in sight?

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Just heard on MSNBC that they've given a new drug to the patient in Dallas

That's the story I was looking for and this was the closest I could find. Thought it was noteworthy that they'd approve a new drug so quickly... Just hope it works!

[peace13]

4. It would be good!

It is hard to trust when so many disasters have been man made! Thanks for the info!

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Exactly!

Just glad to hear that they're fast tracking this promising drug, could help so many...

[valerief]

3. Ha! Right!!! I still remember when hack Tom Brokejaw said to the camera,

"In Cipro we trust."
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/sept11/2001/10/15/anthrax-nbc.htm

[karynnj]

6. Why assume it is a coincidence? The drug was being tested and the test had not run its full course

Given that there are very few things that work, it could be very reasonable if the initial results look very good to allow the use. I assume the patients will be told that it could still be considered experimental and that it is possible that new side effects may be seen.

Given the situation, the risk is very likely reasonable. (Consider your decision if you were the patient and nothing else was working.)

Let's just hope that it becomes a powerful tool for doctors dealing with this and that the company can manufacture as much as is needed.

[840high]

7. If I was a patient this

news would be music to my ears.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. Apparently this drug was tested and killed Ebola cells in the Dallas patient's blood

This patient is critical. Trying anything that might help makes sense to me.

[karynnj]

9. completely agree nt

[Rhiannon12866]

10. Update: U.S. Ebola patient receives experimental drug from Chimerix

Last edited Tue Oct 7, 2014, 12:41 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025630269

[quadrature]

11. who is paying for all this? nt

[TorchTheWitch]

12. I so hope it works even if not for everyone afflicted

At this point a "maybe" is infinitely better than nothing.

[freshwest]

13. K&R...