February 08, 2012: Prescription Shampoo Approved to Treat Head Lice
Sklice is sanctioned for children as young as six months

February 01, 2012: Gleevec Approval Widened to Include Rare Cancer
CD117-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors

January 31, 2012: Kalydeco Approved to Treat Rare Form of Cystic Fibrosis
First drug to target underlying cause of chronic disease

January 30, 2012: Erivedge Approved to Treat Basal Cell Carinoma
The most common skin cancer

January 27, 2012: Bydureon Approved for Type 2 Diabetes
A once-weekly injection

January 27, 2012: Drug Approved for Advanced Kidney Cancer
Inlyta is for people who don't respond to another drug

January 20, 2012: First Test Approved to Help Detect Risk of Rare Brain Infection
Among users of the drug Tysabri

January 18, 2012: Voraxaze Approved to Treat High Levels of Chemo Drug
Blood amounts can rise due to kidney failure

January 16, 2012: Endovascular Graft Approved for Tears of Aorta
The body's largest artery

January 03, 2012: Pneumonia Vaccine Approved for Older People
Prevnar 13 shot sanctioned for people 50 and up

December 21, 2011: Isentress Approval Expanded to Include Children and Teens
To combat AIDS-causing virus

December 20, 2011: Edarbyclor Approved for High Blood Pressure
Condition affects about 1 in 3 Americans

December 16, 2011: New Device Approved for Children With Heart Failure
To be used until donor heart can be found

December 01, 2011: First Generic Lipitor Approved
Widely used statin drug helps lower bad cholesterol

November 18, 2011: Erwinaze Approved for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
A rare form of blood cancer

November 16, 2011: Jakafi Approved for Rare Bone-Marrow Disease
First drug in U.S. sanctioned for myelofibrosis

November 11, 2011: FDA Approves First Umbilical Cord Blood Product
Hemacord stem cell product sanctioned for certain blood cancers and related disorders

November 07, 2011: Erbitux Approval Expanded to Include Head and Neck Cancer
Most common in men, people older than 50

November 04, 2011: Xarelto Approved to Prevent Stroke in People With Abnormal Heartbeat
Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2 million Americans

November 03, 2011: Artificial Heart Valve Doesn't Require Open-Heart Surgery
Implanted via catheter

November 02, 2011: Device Approved to Remedy Abdominal Aneurysms
In people with smaller arteries

November 02, 2011: MelaFind Device Approved to Detect Melanoma
A deadly form of skin cancer

October 31, 2011: Exparel Approved for Post-Surgery Pain
Provides relief up to 72 hours

October 24, 2011: First Versions of Generic Zyprexa Approved
To treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

October 24, 2011: Onfi Approved to Treat Severe Seizures
When combined with other anti-seizure medication

October 14, 2011: Ferriprox Approved to Treat 'Iron Overload'
A potential problem among people who get frequent blood transfusions

October 07, 2011: Juvisync Approved for Type 2 Diabetics With High Cholesterol
Previously approved meds combined in one tablet

October 07, 2011: Cialis Approved to Treat Enlarged Prostate
Also approved for treatment of BPH and erectile dysfunction occurring simultaneously

October 04, 2011: 'LeGoo' Vessel Plug Approved for Vascular Surgery
Dissolvable gel stems blood flow while joining vessels

September 28, 2011: Child Face Mask Approved to Help Prevent Spread of Germs
In hospitals and other health care settings

September 26, 2011: Remicade Approved for Ulcerative Colitis in Children
Aged six and older

September 23, 2011: Soliris Approval Expanded to Include Rare Blood Disorder
Drug first approved in 2007

September 19, 2011: FDA OKs Bone Drug to Prevent Fracture in Certain Cancer Patients
Prolia can be used in some cases of prostate cancer and breast cancer

September 02, 2011: Flu Diagnostic Kit Approved
Developed by the CDC

August 29, 2011: Xalkori Approved for Advanced Lung Cancer
Therapy targets abnormal gene

August 26, 2011: Extended-release Painkiller Approved
Nucynta ER sanctioned for chronic pain in adults

August 25, 2011: Firazyr Approved for Rare Swelling Disease
Hereditary angiodema can cause tissue in limbs, airway to swell

August 24, 2011: Botox Approved to Treat Urinary Incontinence
Among people with certain neurologic conditions

August 19, 2011: Adcetris Approved to Treat Lymphomas
New treatment fights cancers of the lymphatic system

August 17, 2011: New Drug Approved for Advanced Skin Cancer
Companion test also sanctioned to detect certain melanoma cells

August 04, 2011: First Treatment Solely for Scorpion Stings Approved
Poisonous arthropods found mostly in Arizona

July 21, 2011: Brilinta Approved for Acute Coronary Syndromes
Blood-thinning drug helps prevent clotting

July 18, 2011: Flu Vaccine for 2011-12 Season Approved
Protects against strains predicted to be most prevalent

July 11, 2011: Boostrix Approved to Prevent Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough in Seniors
First single vaccine to prevent all 3 diseases in elderly

July 05, 2011: Arcapta Inhaler Approved for COPD
Helps prevent wheezing and shortness of breath

July 01, 2011: Lazanda Approved for Cancer Pain
Painkiller fentanyl produced in nasal spray form

June 20, 2011: Generic Versions of Levofloxacin Approved
Antibiotic prescribed for infections of sinuses, kidneys or bladder

June 20, 2011: Abuse-Resistant Oxycodone Approved
Oxecta ingredient discourages extra doses

June 16, 2011: Nulojix Approved to Help Thwart Kidney Rejection
For adults who have had kidney transplant

June 14, 2011: First Ceramic-on-Metal Hip Replacement Approved
For people with osteoarthritis