FDA approves drug for managing plasma uric acid levels

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for managing levels of a type of acid in patients receiving therapy for certain cancers.

Sanofi-Aventis announced the FDA approval of Elitek (rasburicase), for managing plasma uric acid levels in patients with leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors receiving cancer therapies expected to cause tumor lysis syndrome and elevated levels of the acid, also known as hyperuricemia.

“The approval of Elitek in adult patients with cancer now provides physicians with an important new option for managing elevated plasma uric acid, which could result in tumor lysis syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication that can develop from anti-cancer therapy,” said Jorge Cortes, a professor of medicine at the University of Texas and lead investigator of a clinical study of the drug.