UPDATE 1-US clears new use for Cangene hepatitis B product
(Adds details, background)
WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - Cangene Corp. (CNJ.TO) won U.S. approval to promote its injectable HepaGam B product to prevent reinfection with the hepatitis B virus in certain liver transplant patients, health officials said on Friday.
HepaGam B is made from a protein derived from human plasma that can provide immunity to the hepatitis B virus, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Patients must receive injections at the time of liver transplant and throughout their lives, the FDA said.
Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer, liver failure and death. Liver transplant patients already exposed to the virus face a higher risk of reinfection because they have weakened immune systems, the FDA said.
HepaGam B was FDA-approved in January 2006 for preventing hepatitis B infection after various types of exposure.
((Reporting by Lisa Richwine, editing by J.S. Benkoe; Reuters Messaging: lisa.richwine.reuters.com@reuters.net; +1 202 310-5691)) Keywords: CANGENE HEPATITIS/
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