FDA APPROVES WYETH'S ANTIBIOTIC TYGACIL

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for Tygacil, an intravenous antibiotic intended to treat skin and soft tissue infections, such as those caused by burns, appendicitis, abscesses and ulcers.

The first in a new class of antibiotics known as glycylcyclines, Tygacil (tigecycline) can be used at the onset of treatment when the specific bacteria present are not yet known. In addition, the antibiotic, which is taken every 12 hours, does not require dosage adjustment in patients with impaired renal function, Wyeth said.