Shelf life of Privigen extended

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. A drug used to treat genetic immune deficiency disorders will have a longer shelf life under a decision by the Food and Drug Administration.

CSL Behring announced Monday that the FDA had approved its supplemental approval application to extend the shelf life of the IV drug Privigen (immune globulin intravenous [human]) from two to two and a half years, making it the first IV immunoglobin that can be stored at room temperature throughout its shelf life. The drug also is used to treat chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, a disease in which the immune system destroys platelets in the bloodstream, leaving patients susceptible to bleeding.

“CSL Behring has a history of developing innovative immonuglobin therapies, and we continually strive to enhance the quality of the life-saving products our patients depend on,” CSL Behring VP and general manager for U.S. commercial operations Robert Lefebvre said.