The Food and Drug Administration approved Lexicon Pharmaceuticals' drug Xermelo to treat carcinoid syndrome diarrhea.
Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition that occurs in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. These patients secrete an excessive amount of serotonin, which can lead to symptoms like frequent diarrhea, facial flushing and abdominal pain.
Xermelo represents the first oral drug approved to treat carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. The treatment earned an orphan drug and fast track status from the FDA to accelerate its approval process.
Lexicon said the drug is now available by prescription. Select specialty pharmacies will stock the treatment beginning March 6.
More articles on supply chain:
Bernie Sanders introduces drug importation bill to lower medicine costs: 5 takeaways
Drug spending rose faster under ACA plans than other health plans
FDA: Drug manufacturing at Pfizer's Kansas plant is 'out of control'