
FDA to import versions of common cancer drug to alleviate shortage
The FDA is hoping its latest solution will stave off the continued shortage of cisplatin, a key drug used in treating several types of cancer.
Beginning tomorrow, orders can be placed for cisplatin shipments from China-based Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., which worked in coordination with the FDA and generic drugmaker Apotex to try to help with the shortage.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said on Friday that the agency began the process to import certain “foreign-approved versions” of cisplatin from FDA-registered facilities. According to a document, Qilu has started the “temporary importation” of cisplatin into the US even though the injection from Qilu is marketed and manufactured in China and is not approved by the FDA.
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