Astra nets FDA nod for Crestor in younger patients

The FDA has approved AstraZeneca’s Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) for use in pediatric patients ages 10-17 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), when diet therapy fails to reduce elevated cholesterol.

HeFH, a genetic disease, is characterized by high LDL cholesterol and increased risk of early cardiovascular disease. The FDA said its decision was based on a supplemental new drug application submitted by the London-based AstraZeneca which included data from the PLUTO (Pediatric Lipid-redUction Trial of rOsuvastatin) study. PLUTO was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Crestor in children ages 10-17 with HeFH.

In July, the FDA granted an additional six-month period of exclusivity to market Crestor for its approved cholesterol and atherosclerosis indications until July 2016, according to the pharmaceutical company.

Around the web

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services.