Tokyo, Dec 1, 2009 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of a new formulation of its Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment, Aricept(R) Oral Jelly 3mg, Aricept(R) Oral Jelly 5mg, and Aricept(R) Oral Jelly 10mg. The new products will be available on the Japanese market from December 2.
The new formulation of Aricept(R), which was granted marketing authorisation by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on July 13, 2009, is the world's first oral jelly formulation of an AD treatment. It was listed on the NHI (National Health Insurance) drug price list on November 13 this year.
AD patients often have difficulties ingesting tablets or fine granule formulations due to a decline in their ability to swallow. The new formulation, flavoured with sweet honey lemon, will be easier for such patients to take as it has the right softness that can be broken up with the tongue and swallowed without water. As the jelly comes in a cup-shaped packet, it is able to be divided up with a spoon and administered to patients according to their ability to ingest or swallow.
Aricept(R) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai. It increases brain levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is the only anti-Alzheimer's drug approved in Japan and it is indicated for the treatment of all stages of AD; mild, moderate and severe. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.31 million people in Japan who currently have AD, and this number continues to rise every year along with the advancement of the aging population.
In Japan, the current Aricept(R) product portfolio includes film-coated tablet, fine granule, and orally disintegrating tablet formulations. Through the addition of the new oral jelly formulation that aims to further improve drug compliance among AD patients, Eisai will continue to make further contributions to increasing the benefits of patients, and their families and caregivers.
About Eisai
Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4523; ADR: ESALY) is a research-based human health care company that discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30 countries. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide health care system. Eisai employs more than 8,000 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.eisai.co.jp .
Contact:
PR Department
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120
Dec 1, 2009
Source: Eisai
Eisai (TSE: 4523) (U.S: ESALY)
From the Japan Corporate News Network
http://www.japancorp.net
Topic: Press release summary
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