Drugmaker says FDA modifies hold on experimental Ebola drug, potentially clearing way for use

Federal health authorities have eased safety restrictions on an experimental drug to treat Ebola, a move that could clear the way for its use in patients infected with the deadly virus.

Canadian drugmaker Tekmira Pharmaceuticals said the Food and Drug Administration modified a hold recently placed on the company's drug. The company has a $140 million contract with the U.S. government to develop its drug TKM-Ebola, which targets the genetic material of Ebola. But last month the FDA halted a small study of the injection in humans due to safety concerns.

Tekmira said Thursday the agency "verbally confirmed" changes to the hold that may allow the company to make the drug available to patients.

Currently there are no licensed drugs or vaccines for the disease.