Expanded HCV Testing in Emergency Departments Tops SPT Week in Review

5. New Drug Approved by FDA for Treatment of Seizures Associated with Dravet Syndrome

Officials with the FDA have approved stiripentol (Diacomit) for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. Stiripentol is indicated for use in patients 2 years of age and older who are taking clobazam. Read more.

4. FDA OKs New Drug for Hereditary Angioedema

Officials with the FDA have approved the first monoclonal antibody, lanadelumab (Takhzyro, Shire) for the treatment of patients 12 years and older with types 1 and 2 hereditary angioedema. Read more.

3. Novel Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Reduces Frequency of Exacerbations in Phase 2 Study

Acebilustat, a novel cystic fibrosis treatment, showed clinically meaningful improvement in pulmonary exacerbations in patients with CF, according to newly-released data from a phase 2 trial. Read more.

2. New Research to Explore 'On and Off' Switch for CAR T-Cell Therapy

Researchers are working on an “on and off” switch to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and counter the treatment’s potential negative effects. Read more.

1. Expanded Hepatitis C Testing in Emergency Departments Shows Success

Expanding testing in emergency departments for hepatitis C virus beyond typical high-risk populations was found to be an effective measure to screen undiagnosed patients who may have otherwise gone without treatment. Read more.