US FDA: May reconsider Novartis bowel drug sales

WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it was willing to consider a "limited" reintroduction of Novartis AG's (NOVN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) (NVS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) withdrawn irritable bowel drug Zelnorm at a later date.

Novartis pulled Zelnorm from the U.S. market at the FDA's request after an analysis found a higher risk of serious cardiovascular problems in patients who took the drug.

An FDA statement said the agency would weigh allowing sales to resume "if a population of patients can be identified in whom the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks."

((Reporting by Lisa Richwine, editing by J.S. Benkoe; Reuters Messaging: lisa.richwine.reuters.com@reuters.net; +1 202 310-5691)) Keywords: NOVARTIS ZELNORM/FDA

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