ANI Pharmaceuticals announced its partner Pharmaceutics International Inc. (Pii) has received FDA approval of a Prior Approval Supplement for Bretylium Tosylate Injection, USP 500mg/10ml (50mg/ml). ANI plans to launch this currently unavailable drug in December, introducing it for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia.
First introduced in the 1986, Bretylium Tosylate Injection was added to the Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) guidelines and algorithms recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the 1990s. Due to raw material shortages, the drug has not been available in the United States since 1999.
Prior to its discontinuation, Bretylium Tosylate was commonly stocked as a standard drug on crash carts. ANI estimates that there are approximately 180,000 crash carts in the U.S. and will recommend at least two vials of Bretylium Tosylate per crash cart.
“We are excited to introduce this important life-saving cardiac drug and provide physicians with another valuable tool to treat patients with ventricular arrhythmias. ANI will be supporting the launch of this drug with a broad awareness campaign to educate healthcare professionals on the availability, uses and utility of this important drug,” Arthur S. Przybyl, ANI’s President and CEO said.
“Partnering with the team at ANI Pharmaceuticals to develop and supply this uniquely effective therapy to health care providers and their patients, is further testament to the value of Pii’s Pharmaceutics Know-How™,” Dr. Kurt R. Nielsen, President and CEO of Pii, said. “Pii will exclusively manufacture Bretylium Tosylate Injection, USP, for commercialization by ANI.”