Actelion updates information on Zavesca use

Actelion has posted an update on the potential uses of its Zavesca (miglustat) oral capsule in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.

The company is acting in a bid to provide guidance to healthcare professionals to minimise the impact of a supply shortage of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy imiglucerase, which is produced and marketed by Genzyme under the brand name Cerezyme.

As a result of the shortage, which is now expected to last for longer than the June 2009 date predicted by its manufacturer, Actelion has reassured physicians and Gaucher disease sufferers that Zavesca will be available to them, where approved by their physicians.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that Actelion draws attention to the product as an immediate treatment option.

Last month, the FDA approved Actelion’s supplemental new drug application for Tracleer (bosetan) – treatment for patients with mildly symptomatic WHO Functional Class II (FC II) pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).