The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a new medication to treat severe frostbite, reducing the risk of finger or toe amputation in those who are exposed to extreme cold conditions. The move will benefit those who spend time in high altitude conditions and winter sports, such as mountaineers and skiers.
The FDA announced the approval of Aurlumyn, an intravenously administered drug, in a press release on Wednesday after a successful randomized-controlled trial of 47 adults. The study shows that none of the patients who had received Aurlumyn displayed signs of requiring amputation after seven days of treatment – something that can be detected via a bone scan – compared to 60 percent of those who hadn't received the drug.
