FDA committees recommend continued U.S. marketing for Trasylol

Sep 13 2007

The Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a meeting to discuss the risk /benefit profile of Trasylol (aprotinin injection), a Bayer drug used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

At the close of the meeting, based on the Trasylol(R) data in Bayer's controlled clinical studies and after considering data from observational studies and public testimony presented at the meeting, the Committees recommended that U.S. marketing authorization for Trasylol(R) should be continued.

The Committees also recommended that Bayer amend the U.S. product label for Trasylol(R) to provide additional prescribing guidance to physicians and also recommended that Bayer conduct additional clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, to further assess the risk and benefit of Trasylol(R).

Bayer was pleased to participate in today's session because it provided a proper forum in which to discuss the complex scientific issues surrounding the risk/benefit profile of Trasylol(R) in detail. Trasylol(R) is the only drug currently approved by the FDA for prophylactic use to reduce perioperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass in the course of coronary artery bypass graft surgery who are at an increased risk for blood loss and blood transfusion.

Patient safety is Bayer's first and foremost concern. In line with the discussions and guidance received from the Committees today, the company will work with FDA on appropriate U.S. label revisions providing additional prescribing guidance to physicians.

The Committees also recommended that Bayer undertake additional clinical studies, including randomized controlled clinical trials, to further assess risks and benefits of Trasylol(R). Following the Committees' recommendation, Bayer will move forward with discussions with the FDA to reach agreement with them regarding further clinical activities.

Bayer is in close contact with other regulatory authorities around the world and will inform them of the outcome of today's meeting and potential next steps.

Bayer considers the discussion today and the valuable feedback provided by the Committees as important guidance and input that will help the company in clarifying and addressing these critical issues. Bayer continues to believe that the totality of the medical evidence, including the RCTs and other data discussed today demonstrates that Trasylol(R) is safe and effective when used according to the product labeling. Bayer will continue to work closely and cooperatively with all regulatory authorities to address questions regarding safe and effective use of its drugs.

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