Inhalable drug for lung infection backed

WASHINGTON — Federal health advisers are recommending the use of an experimental Gilead Sciences drug to treat a form of lung infection.

A Food and Drug Administration panel voted 15-2 in favor of the safety and effectiveness of the inhalable drug Cayston. Cayston is intended to treat chronic lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis — an often fatal disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Lung infections are the biggest killer of people with the disease.

The drug is designed to be given three times per day for 28 days.

The same panel of experts voted unanimously that Gilead has identified the appropriate dose for Cayston.

The FDA is not required to follow the group’s advice, though it often does. (AP)