FDA approves colchicine for broad cardiovascular use.
The US FDA has approved colchicine 0.5 mg tablets (Lodoco) as the first specific anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The drug, which targets residual inflammation as an underlying cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, can be used alone or in combination with cholesterol-lowering medications. The drug's manufacturer, Agepha Pharma, anticipates that Lodoco will be available for prescription in the second half of 2023.