Flamel Technologies today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for Bloxiverz (neostigmine methylsulfate), a drug used intravenously in the operating room for the reversal of the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after surgery. Flamel expects to launch Bloxiverz in July 2013 in 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL strengths.
“We are extremely excited and pleased to receive this FDA approval for Bloxiverz, the first product from the portfolio of Éclat products acquired in March 2012,” said Mike Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Flamel.
Bloxiverz is the first FDA-approved version of neostigmine, even though other versions of neostigmine have been on the market as unapproved, grandfathered products under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. Today, neostigmine is the most common agent used for the reversal of the effects of other agents used for neuromuscular blocks.
“Based on our marketing experience, we believe that hospitals will welcome the addition of Bloxiverz as an FDA-approved version of neostigmine,” continued Mr. Anderson. “In addition, unapproved versions of neostigmine have been in short supply for nearly a year, which may add to the need for a reliable source of FDA-approved product.”