Xigris [drotrecogin alfa (activated)]: Market Withdrawal - Failure to Show Survival Benefit

AUDIENCE: Critical Care Medicine

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and the public that on October 25, 2011, Eli Lilly and Company announced a worldwide voluntary market withdrawal of Xigris [drotrecogin alfa (activated)]. In a recently completed clinical trial (PROWESS-SHOCK trial), Xigris failed to show a survival benefit. Xigris failed to show a survival benefit for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

BACKGROUND: Xigris is indicated for the reduction of mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis who have a high risk of death.

RECOMMENDATION: Xigris treatment should not be started in new patients. Xigris treatment should be stopped in patients being treated with Xigris. All remaining Xigris product should be returned to the supplier from whom it was purchased.

Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the FDA Drug Safety Communication, at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm277143.htm