ViroPharma Incorporated (VPHM)

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ViroPharma receives European OK for Cinryze
ViroPharma receives European approval for angioedema treatment Cinryze

On Wednesday June 15, 2011, 1:29 pm EDT

EXTON, Pa. (AP) -- Biotechnology company ViroPharma Inc. said Wednesday it received European approval for the Cinryze, an intravenous treatment for a genetic disease that can cause dangerous swelling in the throat and extremities.

The Exton, Pa., company said the European Commission approved Cinryze for the prevention and treatment of angioedema attacks in adults and adolescents. The commission also authorized properly trained patients to administer Cinryze to themselves.

Hereditary angioedema affects at least 10,000 people in Europe. Patients with it can experience unpredictable and potentially deadly swelling attacks that can affect the larynx, abdomen and face.

Cinryze is already approved in the United States and generated $57 million in sales during the first quarter.

Shares of ViroPharma fell 49 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $17.56 in afternoon trading.