The subcutaneously injected interleukin-13 (IL-13) antagonist tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry – Leo) and the oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors abrocitinib (Cibinqo – Pfizer) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq – Abbvie) have been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

As cocaine continues to be widely available in the USA (Medical Letter, 28:69, 1986), new problems associated with its use continue to emerge. Some recent reports indicate that use of the drug during pregnancy can damage the fetus, lead to abortion or premature labor, and cause toxic effects in the newborn infant.

Misoprostol (Cytotec - Searle), a synthetic methyl analog of prostaglandin E1, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for prevention of gastric ulcers in high-risk patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In other countries, the drug is also marketed for treatment of idiopathic peptic ulcers unrelated to NSAIDs.

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).

Quazepam (Doral - Baker Cummins, Wallace) is a trifluoroethyl benzodiazepine made by Schering and approved in 1985 by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of insomnia. Like other benzodiazepines, it is a Schedule IV controlled substance.Quazepam (Doral - Baker Cummins, Wallace) is a trifluoroethyl benzodiazepine made by Schering and approved in 1985 by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of insomnia. Like other benzodiazepines, it is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

FK 506 (Fujisawa), an immunosuppressant similar in activity to cyclosporine (Sandimmune - Medical Letter 25:77, 1983), is currently under investigation in the USA, Europe, and Japan for prevention of organ transplant rejection.

The enzyme alpha-galactosidase (Beano - AkPharma), derived from a mold and classified as a food, is sold without presecription in pharmacies and food stores. The manufacturer recommends taking the anzyme to decrease intestinal gas producted by eating the high-fiber diets now widely recommended in the USA.

Strontium-89 chloride was recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is offered for relief of pain caused by metastatic bone lesions

Ibutilide fumarate (Corvert - Pharmacia & Upjohn), a new antiarrhythmic drug for intravenous use, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for acute termination of atrial fibrillation or flutter of recent onset.

Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring heptanedicarboxylic acid, has been marketed in the USA as a 20% cream (Azelex - Allergan) for treatment of acne. The drug has been available in Europe for several years.