THE EUROPEAN Medicines Agency (EMEA) is to develop detailed
guidance on the manufacture, market approval and use of drugs that can
treat alcoholism, given that no such formal advice currently exists at a
European Union (EU)-level. The guidance will focus on clearly defining
target patients, treatment success (whether drugs should end alcoholism,
or also reduce drinking), and drug research project organisation. EMEA
will also advise whether certain age groups should be excluded from such
treatment, as well as patients suffering from other illnesses. Existing
treatments include Acamprosate, currently prescribed in the EU for
preventing a recurrence of alcoholism, and other medicines are being
developed.