FDA approves first anti-inflammatory drug for broad cardiovascular indication.

The FDA has approved colchicine, marketed as Lodoco, as the first anti-inflammatory medication to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies have shown that the drug can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for CVD. The drug was shown to reduce the risk of cardiac events by 31% on top of statin medications, the current standard of care. Colchicine is expected to be available for prescription in the US in the second half of 2023.