Hyperuricaemia drug approved
Sanofi-Synthelabo's rasburicase (Fasturtec) has been given marketing approval in Europe. It is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of acute hyperuricaemia in order to prevent acute renal failure resulting from tumour lysis syndrome. The failure
is caused by the precipitation of crystals of uric acid. The drug, a genetically-derived urate oxidase, converts the poorly-soluble uric acid into the much more soluble allantoin, which is readily excreted by the kidneys.