La Jolla's Riquent Receives Fast-Track Status

The FDA has granted La Jolla Pharmaceutical fast-track status for Riquent (abetimus sodium) for the treatment of lupus.

Riquent was designated as approvable by the FDA in October 2004, pending completion of a clinical benefit trial, which is currently ongoing. However, the company has said it will not have sufficient funding to complete the trial unless it obtains additional support in the near future.