More FDA Approvals for Drugs: In other...

More FDA Approvals for Drugs: In other actions this week, the FDA has approved:

* Syntex Corp.’s oral Cytovene, a treatment for inflammation of the retina. The tablets are an alternative to the intravenous formulation used to treat retinitis, which can afflict people with AIDS and those who have undergone transplants, among others. Cytovene capsules will be marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., the Nutley, N.J., division of the Swiss company Roche Holdings. The product is expected to reach pharmacy shelves in the next few weeks, a Syntex spokeswoman said.

* Schering-Plough Corp.’s Uni-Dur Extended Release Tablets, a new once-a-day asthma medication. The company said Uni-Dur treats and prevents symptoms of asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The prescription product contains theophylline, the active ingredient in the company’s Theo-Dur Extended Release Tablets for asthma.

* Copley Pharmaceutical’s chewable Mebendazole tablets for the treatment of pinworm, whipworm, common roundworm, common hookworm and American hookworm. Copley said the 100-milligram tablets are the generic equivalent of Janssen Research’s Vermox 100-milligram chewable tablets.