Martindale Pharma launches oral liquid form of Teglutik

Martindale Pharma has launched the first oral liquid version of riluzole, the only licensed therapy for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the UK.

The new product, Teglutik, has been developed with a nectar-like consistency and has been shown to be bioequivalent to riluzole tablets. It is indicated to to extend life or the time to mechanical ventilation for patients with ALS.

Riluzole is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and has been proven to significantly extend survival in patients with ALS. However, 80 percent are unable to swallow due to dysphagia, making a liquid version highly useful.

ALS accounts for up to 85 percent of all cases of motor neurone disease and is an extremely harmful and ultimately fatal condition, with 70 percent of patients dying within three years of disease onset.

Michael Clark, chief marketing officer of Martindale Pharma, said: "We are delighted to have achieved the approval of Teglutik, an innovation that may allow more patients to remain on this important treatment for longer."