Wider Approval Of A.I.D.S. Drugs In U.S. (Press, 8 October 1986)
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Summary: Wider Approval Of A.I.D.S. Drugs In U.S. (Press, 8 October 1986)
On 8 October 1986, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the expanded use of experimental A.I.D.S. drugs, notably AZT, which has been shown to prolong the lives of those afflicted with the condition. The approval followed an application from the Burroughs Wellcome Company, which is a subsidiary of a British firm. The FDA's announcement indicated that it would also prioritise the review of other A.I.D.S. drugs. A.I.D.S. (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) has claimed the lives of over 12,500 individuals in the United States, with health officials estimating that nearly two million people may have been exposed to the virus responsible for the disease. Burroughs Wellcome revealed that AZT demonstrated promising results in clinical trials conducted during the previous year, showing its potential to enhance the survival and well-being of certain A.I.D.S. patients. The FDA's rapid approval was notable, as the agency typically takes a significantly longer time—often months or years—to authorise new drug treatments. This expedited process was influenced by a request from the United States Public Health Service, urging the FDA to act quickly in light of the urgent need for effective treatments. While there are acknowledged risks associated with AZT, particularly concerning its side effects that can suppress essential cell-producing bone marrow, the encouraging outcomes observed in a limited patient group led to a rush for access to this treatment. According to company officials, approximately 6,000 to 7,000 A.I.D.S. patients can expect to begin receiving AZT soon, with plans to make the drug more widely accessible by the end of 1986. However, it was stated that certain groups, including children and pregnant women, would not be eligible for the drug under the current guidelines.
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