Genentech's Activase

Discussion of a new accelerated dosing regimen for the firm's tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) has been dropped from the agenda of FDA's Cardiovascular & Renal Drugs Advisory Committee meeting March 25 ("The Pink Sheet" Feb. 28, In Brief). On March 24, the committee will discuss Otsuka America's Arkin (vesnarinone) for the treatment of congestive heart failure. On March 25, the committee will consider Knoll's Rythmol (propafenone) for prophylaxis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter. The discussion of Rythmol was originally set for the afternoon of March 24. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. both days in conference rooms D & E of FDA's Parklawn building