THE US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Emflaza (deflazacort) tablets and oral suspension have been approved to treat patients five years and older suffering with DMD, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle deterioration.
Emflaza is a corticosteroid which works by decreasing inflammation and reducing immune system activity.
It's the first FDA approval of any corticosteroid to treat DMD, and the first approval of deflazacort for any use in the USA.
FDA granted the Emflaza application fast-track designation and priority review, and the drug has also received orphan drug designation and a rare paediatric disease priority review voucher.
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