An update on sugammadex sodium.

Sugammadex sodium is the generic drug name for the novel modified gamma cyclodextrin that terminates neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Published phase II and phase III clinical data support preclinical and clinical phase I study findings of fast, safe, and efficacious reversal of all levels of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium. Low levels of neuromuscular blockade induced by pancuronium have also been successfully reversed by sugammadex. This agent does not reverse the bis-isoquinoline neuromuscular blocking agents. Special patient populations, including pediatric, elderly, cardiac, and renal-compromised subjects, have been studied in phase III. This update focuses on the most recent findings of phase II and III clinical studies.