FDA APPROVES CELGENE'S THALOMID

The FDA has approved Thalomid, manufactured by Celgene, to treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.

Thalomid (thalidomide) was approved for use in combination with another drug, dexamethasone, for multiple myeloma. It will be available in capsules in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg.

Thalomid -- which has been associated with serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy -- has previously been approved to treat debilitating skin sores associated with erythema nodosum leprosum, an inflammatory complication of leprosy.