"Unimed Wins FDA Approval on AIDS Drug"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Unimed Wins FDA Approval on AIDS Drug"

Chicago Tribune (12/23/92), P. 3-3
Morris, Steven

Abstract: The Food and Drug Administration granted approval Tuesday to the marketing of Marinol, a drug that fights the weight loss experienced by AIDS patients. The FDA granted Unimed Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill., approval under the orphan drug provision, which allows the company to have exclusive marketing rights to this specific use for seven years. In the 1980s, the orphan drug law was passed to encourage firms to develop drugs for ailments suffered by small numbers of patients. Unimed has marketed Marinol since 1985 as a treatment for nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Scott Broder, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said, "Sales will grow rapidly now that it's spread out through the growing field of AIDS." The drug, which stimulates the appetite, "offers a means for AIDS patients to enhance the quality of their lives," he said. The active ingredient in Marinol is a synthetic marijuana agent called delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC). A physician must prescribe the treatment, which is taken in capsule form. Related Story: Journal of Commerce (12/24) P. 7A

921223
AD922487

Copyright © 1992 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1992. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.