[Factor VIII preparation produced by recombinant DNA-technology is approved in Norway].

Recombinant factor VIII (Baxter) is approved by the Norwegian Medicines Control Authority. The product represents an alternative to plasma-derived factor VIII in the treatment of patients with haemophilia A. Its use should be guided by clinical experts in care of haemophilia.

The international collaborative study on the first international standard of birch (Betula verrucosa)-pollen extract.

A selected candidate international standard preparation of birch (Betula verrucosa)-pollen extract was studied together with other birch-pollen extracts in a multinational study involving 20 laboratories in 11 countries. The biologic activity of the extract had previously been demonstrated in quantitative skin prick testing. The study methods comprised RAST inhibition, histamine release, quantitative immunoelectrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and other methods.