FDA lifts hold on experimental Ebola drug

Eased safety restrictions may clear the way for the drug's use in Ebola patients

By The Associated Press

Published August 7, 2014 9:47PM (EDT)

FILE - This undated file image made available by the CDC shows the Ebola Virus. As a deadly Ebola outbreak continues in West Africa, health officials are working to calm fears that the virus easily spreads, while encouraging those with symptoms to get medical care. (AP Photo/CDC, File) (AP)
FILE - This undated file image made available by the CDC shows the Ebola Virus. As a deadly Ebola outbreak continues in West Africa, health officials are working to calm fears that the virus easily spreads, while encouraging those with symptoms to get medical care. (AP Photo/CDC, File) (AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health authorities have eased safety restrictions on an experimental drug to treat Ebola, a move that could clear the way for its use in patients infected with the deadly virus.

Canadian drugmaker Tekmira Pharmaceuticals said the Food and Drug Administration modified a hold recently placed on the company's drug. The company has a $140 million contract with the U.S. government to develop its drug TKM-Ebola, which targets the genetic material of Ebola. But last month the FDA halted a small study of the injection in humans due to safety concerns.

Tekmira said Thursday the agency "verbally confirmed" changes to the hold that may allow the company to make the drug available to patients.

Currently there are no licensed drugs or vaccines for the disease.


By The Associated Press

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