LONDON, February 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
First new treatment for 30 years for life-threatening condition linked to liver disease
TARGAXAN®▼ 550 (rifaximin-α 550mg), an innovative treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), will be available to patients in England and Wales following its approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).[1] Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious and potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric condition associated with advanced liver disease that affects around 10,000 patients in the UK.[2],[3],[4] Norgine markets this innovative treatment which is licensed for the reduction in recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients of 18 years of age and over.[5]
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Peter Martin, Chief Operating Officer, Norgine said: "Norgine is very pleased that the true value of TARGAXAN®▼ 550 has been recognised. It is a reflection of the value this medicine brings to patients, carers and the healthcare system, as demonstrated in the real world data that was submitted."
Richard Hall, co-founder, Liver4Life, said: "I am delighted with NICE's decision to approve this vitally important treatment. Treatment options are extremely limited for patients with HE with no other new options being made available since lactulose was launched in 1969. Clinicians are now able to offer a treatment that actually makes a tremendous difference to the quality of life for patients and their families."
Andrew Langford, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust, said: "In my opinion, rifaximin offers an invaluable treatment for people with HE and significantly improves both their and their carers quality of life. As a charity that works with many people affected by HE, the British Liver Trust is very pleased with NICE's decision."
See release on http://www.norgine.com
References
1. NICE, Final Appraisal Determination, 'Rifaximin for preventing episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy', published 19 February 2014 and available online at http://www.nice.org.uk
2. Gitlin N, Lewis DC, Hinkley L. The diagnosis and prevalence of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in apparently healthy, ambulant, non-shunted patients with cirrhosis. J Hepatol. 1986;3(1):75-82.
3. Gilberstadt SJ, Gilberstadt H, Zieve L, Buegel B, Collier RO, Jr., McClain CJ. Psychomotor performance defects in cirrhotic patients without overt encephalopathy. Arch Intern Med. Apr 1980;140(4):519-521
4. Das A, Dhiman RK, Saraswat VA, Verma M, Naik SR. Prevalence and natural history of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. May 2001;16(5):531-535.
5. TARGAXAN® 550▼ Summary of Product Characteristics, http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/27427/SPC/TARGAXAN+550+mg+film-coated+tablets/
Caroline Ashe +44-(0)7714-061-327
Charlotte Andrews +44-(0)7714-061-485
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