FDA approves drugs in case of terrorist attack

Two drugs that could be used to treat people after a radiation-releasing terror attack have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, opening the way for mass distribution.

The injectable drugs, which treat plutonium, americium or curium contamination, would be available by prescription -- presumably for anyone who wanted them even before an attack took place, agency officials said.

“The approval of these two drugs is another example of FDA’s readiness and commitment to protecting Americans against all terrorist threats,” said acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford.

Both drugs -- penetrate calcium trisodium injection (Ca-DTPA) and penetrate zinc trisodium injection (Zn-DTPA) -- have been available for decades for use in contamination emergencies, the FDA said. But the FDA considered the two drugs investigational before the approval, which limited the amount available.