An FDA's Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee voted to recommend sugammadex for reversal of moderate or deep neuromuscular blockade induced during surgery, according to a Medscape report.
Here are four things to know:
1. The panel voted that Merck Pharmaceuticals, the company that develops sugammadex, has provided sufficient information to characterize the risk for hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis as well as the risk for cardiac dysrhythmias.
2. Sugammadex binds to rocuronium and vecuronium, which induce paralysis during surgery.
3. The FDA has not approved the drug several times due to concerns that include adverse events.
4. The committee's recommendation is not binding and the FDA is scheduled to make a decision by Dec. 19.