FDA Approves First-Ever Drug to Treat Severe Frostbite

The newly approved drug, iloprost, significantly reduces the risk of amputation in patients with severe frostbite, marking a major advancement in treatment.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved iloprost, the first drug specifically for treating severe frostbite, offering hope for those at risk of amputation.
• Iloprost, marketed as Aurlumyn, is a vasodilator that improves blood flow and prevents clot formation, effectively reversing the effects of frostbite.
• In a clinical trial, patients treated with iloprost showed a significantly lower rate of amputation compared to those who did not receive the drug.
• The drug is a repurposed medication originally approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, making its development more cost-effective.
• The approval of iloprost is expected to benefit individuals in colder regions and those at higher risk of frostbite, including outdoor workers and the homeless.

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