Shire launches UC patient education forums

Shire has announced the launch of the On the Road Again educational forums to help aid patients meet the challenges of ulcerative colitis (UC).

In the forums, patients with UC will be able to discuss their questions with four expert presenters while also taking the opportunity to network with other UC sufferers.

The company developed the initiative in response to the results of the UC: Normal surveys from the firm completed by patients during 2007.

In these questionnaires, patients revealed difficulties including compliance challenges with medications, a high level of life disruption and communication gaps with their doctors.

Ian McGowan, professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said: “For people with UC, education is very important because this is a disease that can be significantly impacted by actions a person does or does not take.”

He added that the On the Road Again educational programme will also address the emotional and psychological needs of UC patients and give them the chance to meet other people with the condition.

In March 2007, Shire announced the launch if Lialda (mesalamine) with MMX technology as a treatment for active, mild to moderate UC, reporting that once-daily dosing may address compliance issues in patients.