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CDC reports steady rise in influenza
ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured a steady rise in influenza — both in number of cases and severity — for the week ended Feb. 5.
There are 19 states that now are experiencing high levels of influenza-like illnesses as measured by outpatient visits — a measuring stick that provides a sense as to how severe the flu might be in a community but not how prevalent it is. The proportion of outpatient visits for ILI was 4.6%, which is above the national baseline of 2.5%.
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FDA approves test to monitor levels of Zortress in the bloodstream
SILVER SPRING, Md. —The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday the approval of Waltham, Mass.-based Thermo Fisher’s QMS Everolimus Immunoassay, a test that monitors the blood for levels of Novartis’ drug Zortress (everolimus).
Zortress is a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted kidneys.
“QMS Everolimus is the first FDA-cleared test physicians can use to maintain appropriate levels of the immunosuppressant everolimus,” FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health director Jeffrey Shuren said.