The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca – Lilly) has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adults who received ≥2 prior lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor. Accelerated approval was based on the response rate. The BTK inhibitors ibrutinib (Imbruvica), acalabrutinib (Calquence), and zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) are also approved for treatment of MCL.

Elranatamab-bcmm (Elrexfio – Pfizer), a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has been granted accelerated approval by the FDA for treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in adults who received ≥4 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Accelerated approval was based on the response rate and durability of response. Elranatamab is the second bispecific BCMA-directed CD3 T-cell engager to be approved for this indication; teclistamab (Tecvayli) was the...

The FDA has approved Azmiro (Azurity), the first injectable formulation of testosterone cypionate to become available in single-dose vials and prefilled syringes for treatment of males with conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. Injectable testosterone cypionate has been available in multidose vials (Depo-Testosterone, and generics) for many years. Testosterone enanthate (Xyosted) is available in prefilled autoinjectors for use in adult men. No testosterone products are approved for treatment of low testosterone levels due solely to aging. All...

Arformoterol tartrate (Brovana - Sepracor), a singleisomer, long-acting beta₂-agonist, has been approved by the FDA as an inhalation solution for nebulization for treatment of bronchoconstriction pulmonary disease (COPD). Arformoterol is the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol (Foradil), which is available as a powder for inhalation and was recently also approved as a solution for nebulization (Perforomist - Dey; available fall 2007)

The antiplatelet agents aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix, and others) are used in most patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent stent thrombosis and to reduce the occurrence of peri-, post-procedural and late cardiovascular events. Despite a large number of randomized trials of these agents in such patients, the optimal dosage and duration of treatment with these drugs, and whether other drugs should be added, is unclear.

Flurbiprofen (Ansaid - Upjohn), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in some countries since 1977, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Flurbiprofen is a fluorinated phenylalkanoic acid derivative structurally related to ibuprofen (Motrin;and others).

Permethrin 5% (Elimite Cream - Herbert), a synthetic pyrethroid previously available in a 1% concentration (Nix) for treatment of head lice (Medical Letter, 28:89, 1986) and as an aerosol clothing spray (Permanone) for protection against mosquitoes and ticks (Medical Letter, 31:45, 1989), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for single-application treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).

Human rabies continues to be rare in the USA, but animal rabies is becoming more common. An animal epizootic in the mid-Atlantic states, involving especially raccoons, has recently spread into the northeastern states.

Cardiac arrest may be due to tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, or asystole. Without treatment, permanent damage to the cerebral cortex usually begins within five minutes and is complete in ten. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been started and electrical defibrillation, when indicated, has been applied, drugs may help promote recovery.

Use of alendronate (Fosamax), estrogen and other drugs for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (Medical Letter, 38:1, 1996) has been accompanied by widespread availability of bone density screening tests, not only in doctors offices and hospitals, but even in retail stores. Bone densitometry provides a quantitative measurement of bone mineralization that can be used to predict the risk of osteoporotic fractures.