via CNN.com

by Jen Christensen, CNN

Story: http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/03/health/mrsa-fda-drug/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its first ever Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP). In a groundbreaking move, the FDA has stepped up its efforts in the battle against superbugs, and has granted QIDP distinction to intravenous drug Dalvance.

The Chicago-based company that markets the drug, Durata Therapeutics, has indicated that it is only presently approved for use in adults.

The drug has been created to battle infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA . MRSA is caused by an antibiotic resistant strain of staph bacteria which is often found in hospitals and other healthcare centres.

While MRSA cases within healthcare are said to be declining (according to the Centers for Disease Control), rates indicate that 1 in 25 hospital patients on a given day are infected.

Complete story: http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/03/health/mrsa-fda-drug/index.html?hpt=hp_t2