Pharma Alert: New Drug Approvals

Isentress for Kids

A special formulation of the HIV drug Isentress for children 4 weeks of age and older was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January. Isentress, made by Merck, helps keep the virus from reproducing in the HIV-positive person’s body. The version for children will be in the form of an oral solution, and Merck expects it to be available in the U.S. in the fall.

The Big Hep C Drug

The FDA in December approved a new drug for people with hepatitis C, including those who are also infected with HIV. Sovaldi, a Gilead Sciences medication, is taken once daily and must be taken with ribavirin, which is sold under brand names including Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, and Virazole.