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

[Posted 10/25/2011]

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 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.

[10/25/2011 - Drug Safety Communication¹ - FDA]

Previous MedWatch Alert:

[02/04/2009²] Xigris - Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review

Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products > Xigris [drotrecogin alfa (activated)]: Market Withdrawal - Failure to Show Survival Benefit