FDA approves VariZIG (Cangene Corpn) for Chicken Pox treatment

The FDA on 21 December 2012 approved VariZIG,a varicella zoster immune globulin preparation from Cangene Corporation, for reducing the severity of Chicken Pox (varicella zoster virus) infections in high risk individuals when given within four days after exposure. Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) has been shown to lower the risk of severe infections if given soon enough after exposure. An earlier FDA-licensed VZIG was removed from the U.S. market by the manufacturer in 2006, and VariZIG has only been available under an investigational expanded access protocol during the licensing process.