Medicines Co. gets positive EU panel result

Medicines Co. says EU reviewers recommend Angiox approval in post-heart attack angioplasty

• On 10:51 am EDT, Friday October 23, 2009

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (AP) -- The Medicines Co. said Friday a European Union panel recommended approval for its anti-clotting agent Angiox for patients who are having an angioplasty following a heart attack.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use said the drug's approval should be broadened, The Medicines Co. said. The European Medicines Agency will make a final decision on the potential approval. In the U.S., the drug is sold under the name Angiomax.

Angiox is approved for use in patients having a coronary angioplasty, which clears blood flow around the heart, and as a treatment for patients with acute heart disease before surgery.

In morning trading, Medicines Co. shares lost 27 cents, or 3 percent, to $8.77.