Pfizer Inc. reports that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rapamune (sirolimus) for the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare, progressive disease that affects the lungs, kidneys,and the lymphatic system.

LAM is a rare progressive lung disease that usually affects women during their childbearing years and can result in abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells in the lung. Over time, the muscle growth can cause airway obstructions and limit the delivery of oxygen to the body. Approximately 800 patients in the US are currently diagnosed with LAM, which is a rare disease and is often fatal. RAPAMUNE is also approved in the U.S. as an immunosuppressive agent for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients aged 13 years and older.

Source: Pfizer