Schering-Plough announces European launch of Bridion

Schering-Plough has announced the European launch of Bridion (sugammadex) injection, the first product made available by the firm since its acquisition of Organon BioSciences.

The drug was released last week in Sweden and will shortly be marketed in the UK and Germany, with launched in a number of other European markets to follow over the next few months.

Bridion is the first selective relaxant binding agent, with Schering-Plough claiming it marks the first pharmaceutical advance in anaesthesia in 20 years.

The compound is indicated for the routine reversal of vecuronium and rocuronium and the immediate reversal of rocuronium in adults.

It is also indicated for the routine reversal of rocuronium in children.

These drugs are given as part of general anaesthesia during surgery to relax a patient’s muscles.

Fred Hassan, chairman and chief executive officer of Schering-Plough, said: “The introduction of Bridion in Europe represents an important advance for anaesthesiologists and the patients they care for during surgery.”

He added the compound is a major example of the company’s innovation and leadership in this field, with the potential to transform the practice of anaesthesia.

Bridion was approved for use in the EU in July 2008.