Olopatadine hydrochloride (Patanol - Alcon), a propilidinedibenzoxypin derivative, has recently been marketed in a 0.1% ophthalmic solution for prevention of itching due to allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children more than three years old. It is the first drug for this indication that both inhibits mast cell degranulation and is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist (NA Sharif et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 278:1252, 1996).

Raloxifene (Evista - Lilly), a benzothiophene that acts on estrogen receptors, has recently been marketed for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Only estrogen (alone or in combination with a progestin) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (Fosamax) were previously approved by the FDA for this indication.

Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a schedule IV controlled substance.

Extracts made from leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) are available in the uSA as deitary supplements, in France and Germany as licensed drugs and worldwide as herbal remedies for treatment of dementia and many other indications.

Prosorba, an antibody-adsorbing column used with plasmapheresis, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients refractory or intolerant to methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Patients may be asking about reports in the lay press that exenatide (Byetta - Med Lett Drugs Ther 2005; 47:45), a synthetic peptide that stimulates release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, has been used by diabetics and non-diabetics to lose weight. Approved by the FDA to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes not controlled by metformin, a sulfonylurea or both, it is given by subcutaneous injection before the morning and evening meals. In clinical trials, some diabetic patients treated with the drug lost weight. No data are available on use in non-diabetics....

The FDA has approved tesamorelin (Egrifta – EMD Serono), an injectable synthetic analog of growth-hormone- releasing factor (GRF), for reduction of excess abdominal fat in patients with lipodystrophy associated with HIV infection. Growth hormone (somatropin – Serostim; EMD Serono) has been available for years for treatment of HIV wasting.

A new once-daily formulation of gabapentin (Gralise – Depomed) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Immediate-release (IR) gabapentin (Neurontin, and others), which has been available in the US since 1994, is also approved for this indication, but is taken three times a day. Extended-release gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of restless legs syndrome.

The FDA has approved glucarpidase (Voraxaze – BTG International) for treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (>1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function. Glucarpidase has been available in the US since 2007 under a compassionate use open-label treatment protocol (Clinical Trials and Consulting Services, 1-877-398-9829), which will remain in effect until the drug becomes commercially available later this year. There is currently a shortage of IV methotrexate in the US.

The FDA has approved the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) peginesatide (Omontys – Affymax/Takeda), a synthetic peptide analog of erythropoietin, for treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on dialysis. Peginesatide is the third ESA to become available in the US.Overuse of the other two, which have broader indications, has been a concern.