FDA Approves Drug for GERD, Barrett's Esophagus

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Photofrin (porfimer sodium) to treat precancerous lesions in people with a severe form of a disorder called Barrett's esophagus. The condition affects the lining of the esophagus and is associated with a common disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by frequent heartburn. While Barrett's esophagus may cause no symptoms itself, in rare cases it can lead to development of precancerous lesions that progress to a deadly form of cancer.

Photofrin is an agent used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a particular type of laser light to zap cancer cells. In clinical trials and a subsequent 2-year follow-up, patients who received Photofrin had an 80% chance of being cancer-free. The long-term effects of Photofrin on esophageal cancer have not been determined, the FDA reported.

Axcan Pharma manufactures the drug Photofrin.