Shire Launches Lialda in the US

UK pharmaceutical company Shire has launched its treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, Lialda, in the US.

Lialda is the first and only FDA-approved once daily oral formulation of mesalamine, and is available in dosages of 2.4 g/day and 4.8 g/day, allowing patients to take as few as two tablets once daily. Other currently available mesalamines require three to four times daily dosing and six to 16 pills a day.

“In clinical trials, Lialda was superior to placebo in inducing remission. Additionally, Lialda’s convenient once daily dosing may help address the compliance issues facing so many ulcerative colitis patients,” said Mike Cola, president of Shire’s specialty pharmaceuticals business.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that produces inflammation and sores or ulcers along the inside of the large intestine, also called the bowel or colon. The sores may interfere with the normal digestive process, often causing cramping, bloating, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss and frequent bowel movements.