FDA lung experts narrowly back benefits from InterMune drug for rare disorder

FDA panel narrowly backs benefit of InterMune drug

WASHINGTON — Federal health advisers say an experimental drug from InterMune Inc. provides a meaningful benefit for patients with a rare lung disease.

The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of lung experts narrowly voted 7-5 in favor of the benefits of the company’s drug pirfenidone.

The FDA is not required to follow the group’s advise, though it often does. The panel is scheduled to vote later today on the drug’s safety.

InterMune has asked the Food and Drug Administration to approve its drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an often fatal lung disease for which there are no approved drugs.

Shares of the Brisbane, Calif.-based company were halted in trading Tuesday ahead of the FDA’s meeting.