Salix Pharma, Pharming Group Announce Launch Of Ruconest In U.S. - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (SLXP) and Pharming Group NV announced the launch of Ruconest (C1 Esterase Inhibitor [Recombinant]) 50 IU/kg in the United States for the treatment of acute angioedema attacks in adult and adolescent patients with hereditary angioedema or HAE. Effectiveness in clinical studies was not established in HAE patients with laryngeal attacks.

The announcement follows the July approval of the drug by the Food and Drug Administration.

HAE is a rare genetic condition that affects between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. It causes episodes of swelling in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, abdomen and face. Patients with abdominal swelling often experience severe pain, nausea and vomiting. HAE attacks stem from a deficiency of the C1 inhibitor protein in the blood.

The disease is often misdiagnosed, as the symptoms of an attack can mirror someone experiencing an allergic reaction. Severe, painful swelling can occur at any time, which means most people suffering from HAE deal with the constant fear of when their next attack might surface and how that might impair their lives and those around them.

Ruconest is manufactured by Pharming Group NV in the Netherlands. Salix has licensed exclusive rights from Pharming to commercialize Ruconest in North America and market Ruconest for the treatment of acute HAE attack symptoms.