New drug combats heparin reactions

Refludan (lepirudin) is the first product with approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an allergy-like reaction that affects nearly 2% of all patients being treated for at least five days of heparin treatment.

The FDA approved the drug after two clinical trials conducted in Germany that involved more than 200 patients. Germany's Hoechst Marion Roussel manufactures the drug and notes that it has been launched in six European nations and should enter the American market this year.