Providers having trouble treating residents with challenging infectious diseases now have a new resource for reporting their experiences with breakthrough medications. The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday the global launch of a new app — CURE ID.
The app serves as an internet-based repository that allows providers to report their experiences managing difficult-to-treat infectious diseases with novel uses of existing FDA-approved drugs. The app can be used through a website, smartphone or mobile device.
“The systematic collection of real-world experience in the app will help identify drug candidates for additional study, encourage further drug development, and may serve as a resource for practitioners making individual patient treatment decisions in the absence of established safe and effective options,” a release stated.
The highly contagious fungus, Candida auras, has been a top concern for long-term care providers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s estimated to be responsible for up to 60% of the deaths of those who become invasively infected, according to the CDC.
The app is a collaboration between the FDA and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
“Our hope is that this app will serve as a connector among major treatment centers, academics, private practitioners, government facilities and other health care professionals from around the world and ultimately get treatments to patients faster,” Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D., FDA principal deputy commissioner, said in a statement.
