HealthDay (8/4, Preidt) reported, "A drug called icatibant is effective in treating acute attacks of" hereditary angioedema (HAE). HAE is a condition that causes swelling in various soft tissues which can be life-threatening if it involves the airway. German drugmaker Jerini Inc. "conducted...two randomized, double-blind clinical trials, which included a total of 130 patients," and although "the results of one trial did not reach statistical significance, the researchers concluded that icatibant is safe and effective in treating acute attacks of HAE." The drug has already been approved in the EU. The newest medications available for HAE in the US can be costly for health plans.
