Discovery Laboratories Inc. (Nasdaq
SCO)
Shares of DSCO surged today after the company reported that the FDA has agreed to DSCO 's updated product specifications for SURFAXIN(R) (lucinactant) Intratracheal Suspension which was approved for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants at high risk for RDS.
DSCO has initiated manufacturing of SURFAXIN for its planned commercial introduction in the fourth quarter of 2013.
SURFAXIN is the first FDA-approved synthetic, peptide-containing surfactant available for the prevention of RDS in premature infants and the only approved alternative to animal-derived surfactants currently used today.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a breathing disorder that affects newborns. RDS rarely occurs in full-term infants. The disorder is more common in premature infants born about 6 weeks or more before their due dates.
RDS is more common in premature infants because their lungs aren't able to make enough surfactant (sur-FAK-tant). Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs. It helps keep them open so that infants can breathe in air once they're born.
Without enough surfactant, the lungs collapse and the infant has to work hard to breathe. He or she might not be able to breathe in enough oxygen to support the body's organs. The lack of oxygen can damage the baby's brain and other organs if proper treatment isn't given.
Most babies who develop RDS show signs of breathing problems and a lack of oxygen at birth or within the first few hours that follow.
DSCO 's SURFAXIN is an important medical advancement for the neonatology community and parents of preterm infants who will soon have an effective alternative to animal-derived surfactants for the prevention of RDS.
DSCO stock price is about $2.81, up $0.84 or 42.63%, with over 12,220,000 shares traded so far.
DSCO is a specialty biotechnology company focused on advancing a new standard in respiratory critical care.
DSCO 's novel proprietary KL4 surfactant technology produces a synthetic, peptide-containing surfactant that is structurally similar to pulmonary surfactant.
More about Discovery Laboratories Inc. (Nasdaq SCO) at www.Discoverylabs.com .
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