Shire announces availability of Lialda

Shire has announced the launch of Lialda (mesalamine) with MMX technology as the first orally-administered once-daily form of mesalamine for patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

The compound is indicated to induce remission in patients with the inflammatory bowel condition UC and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2007.

Available in doses of 2.4 g/day and 4.8 g/day with as few as two tablets a day the formulation of the drug can be simpler than other mesalamines requiring six to 16 pills taken in three to four daily doses.

Mike Cola, president of speciality pharmaceuticals at Shire, commented that Lialda had proven itself better than placebo treatments in inducing remission in UC patients during clinical trials.

“Additionally, Lialda’s convenient once-daily dosing may help address the compliance issues facing so many UC patients,” he said.

He added that the firm was pleased to add the product to its gastrointestinal portfolio with the launch of the drug highlighting the company’s commitment to improving the available treatments for patients suffering from these diseases.

Last week, Shire announced the availability of Dynepo (epoetin delta) in Gemany, marking the launch of the anaemia treatment in Europe.