A new antimicrobial agent-containing formulation of the anaesthetic propofol (Diprivan) may improve survival rates in post-surgical patients sedated with propofol. Astra Zeneca says that Diprivan EDTA (propofol and disodium edetate, 0.005 per cent) was developed following reports of infections in post-operative patients as a result of incorrect handling of propofol. Clinical trials have found the formulations to have similar efficacy and overall safety when used for anaesthesia or sedation in intensive care. In addition, Diprivan EDTA has an unexpected significant survival advantage in sedated patients at 28 days follow-up, the company says.
Diprivan EDTA is not currently available in the UK. A spokesman for Astra Zeneca told The Journal on June 12 that it hoped to launch it early next year.