The FDA has approved Arnuity Ellipta (GSK), a single-agent inhaler containing the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate, for once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥12 years old. Fluticasone furoate is also available in combination with the long-acting beta₂-agonist vilanterol as Breo Ellipta for treatment of asthma and COPD.

The FDA has approved ocrelizumab (Ocrevus – Genentech), a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, for treatment of adults with primary progressive or relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). It is the first anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to be approved for treatment of MS and the first disease-modifying drug to be approved in the US for primary progressive MS.

The FDA has approved a subcutaneous (SC) extended-release formulation of the mu-opioid receptor partial agonist and kappa-opioid receptor antagonist buprenorphine (Sublocade – Indivior) for once-monthly treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. Sublocade is the first injectable buprenorphine product to be approved in the US. Buprenorphine is also available in sublingual formulations with or without the opioid antagonist naloxone, in a buccal formulation with naloxone, and as a subdermal implant (Probuphine).

View the Expanded Table: Some Vaccines for Travelers

The FDA has approved Phexxi (Evofem), a nonhormonal prescription-only vaginal gel containing lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate, for prevention of pregnancy. The gel is intended for on-demand contraception; it is not effective when used after intercourse. It was previously approved for use as a vaginal lubricant (Amphora), but was never marketed.

The FDA has approved pitolisant (Wakix – Harmony), a histamine-3 (H₃)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. It is the first H₃-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist to become available in the US and the first non-controlled substance to receive FDA approval for these indications. Pitolisant has been available in Europe since 2016.

The FDA has licensed Penbraya (Pfizer), a pentavalent polysaccharide conjugate meningococcal vaccine, for prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, or Y (MenABCWY) in persons 10-25 years old. Penbraya is the only meningococcal vaccine that contains all five of these serogroups. Two quadrivalent polysaccharide conjugate meningococcal vaccines containing serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY; Menveo, MenQuadfi) and two meningococcal serogroup B vaccines (MenB; Bexsero, Trumenba) are available in the US (see Table...

A variety of cancer chemotherapy drugs are used, mostly in combination, for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers. The mechanism of action, indications and adverse effects of some of these drugs are discussed in thei article.

Formoterol fumarate (Perforomist - Dey), a long-acting beta₂-agonist, was recently approved by the FDA as an inhalation solution for nebulization for maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arformoterol (Brovana), the (R, R)-enantiomer of formoterol, was approved earlier this year for the same indication.

A new formulation of the H1-antihistamine azelastine hydrochloride 0.1% nasal spray (Astepro - Meda) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in patients ≥12 years old and is being heavily advertised to the public on radio, television and the Internet. All azelastine products require a prescription.