Merck Serono receives EU approval for cyanide treatment

Merck Serono has been granted European Commission approval for a new presentation of its Cyanokit treatment for cyanide poisoning.

The treatment – which is marketed in the UK by Swedish Orphan Biovitrum – has been ratified for sale in a single-vial 5g specification, which contains the entire starting dose.

Cyanokit is currently available in a kit comprising two 2.5g vials and is typically used by medical staff or fire rescue workers at emergency scenes.

The drug is most commonly applied to victims of cyanide poisoning arising from certain types of smoke inhalation, as well as accidental ingestion and exposure during industrial accidents.

Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum, executive vice-president for research and development at Merck Serono, said: "By simplifying the reconstitution and administration processes, we believe the new Cyanokit 5g presentation represents a major improvement."

Earlier this week, Merck Serono announced that it will be allying with Ablynx to develop nanobody-based treatments against a specific inflammatory disease target.