FDA To Recommend That Doctors Conduct Genetic Screening Before Prescribing Antiretroviral Abacavir To Reduce Allergic ... (Medical News Today)
FDA on Thursday is expected to issue an advisory that urges physicians to conduct genetic testing before prescribing GlaxoSmithKline's antiretroviral drug abacavir to reduce allergic reactions in people taking the drug, the New York Times reports. The recommendation to conduct genetic screenings will be included in a black box warning on the drug's label.

VEGFbTM Has Been Granted Orphan Drug Designation By The FDA For The Treatment Of Advanced Melanoma (Medical News Today)
PhiloGene, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to VEGFb for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. This approval is for a larger subset of melanoma patients than was requested, and includes melanoma in stages IIb through IV.