Merck Sharp and Dohme launches intravenous Noxafil in UK

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the UK launch of a new intravenous version of its fungal infection therapy Noxafil.

The 300 mg concentrate version of the drug for intravenous infusion offers another option to treat fungal infections in critically ill patients who are unable to take oral versions. The wide range of formulations allow clinicians to select the option suitable for different clinical situations and types of patients.

Data from a non-comparative multi-centre study that demonstrated the pharmacokinetic properties, safety and tolerability of the infusion-based therapy helped to support the company's application for regulatory approval of the drug.

Attributable mortality from invasive fungal infections ranges from 60 to 90 percent for invasive aspergillosis, while exceeding 80 percent for invasive zygomycosis and fusariosis.

Paul Lamba, director of medical affairs at Merck Sharp and Dohme UK, said: "We are pleased to be able to add the new intravenous posaconazole formulation to our portfolio of medicines for infectious diseases in the hospital and clinic."

This comes after the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended Merck Sharp and Dohme's Remicade and Simponi for the treatment of ulcerative colitis earlier this month.