BioCryst gets fast-track status for avian flu drug

The FDA has granted BioCryst Pharmaceuticals fast-track status for its experimental bird flu drug peramivir. The company says that peramivir may be effective against a variety of influenzas, including the H5N1 virus that has raised fears of a global pandemic. The FDA also recently gave BioCryst permission to begin human studies on the drug. Fast-track status can shorten the time it takes to achieve FDA approval for a new drug.

- read this AP report for more information

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