New product newswire: July 24, 2006

RX

NEW DRUGS

Two new medications have been FDA-approved for Endo Pharmaceuticals, Chadds Ford, Pa., (800) 462-3636. Opana (oxymorphone hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets, available in 5-, 10-, 20-, and 40-mg strengths, are indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain in patients requiring continuous, round-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period of time. Opana Tablets are used for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain where the use of an opioid is appropriate. The drug is available in strengths of 5 and 10 mg.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has FDA approval for Zelapar (selegiline HCl) Orally Disintegrating Tablets. The monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, using the Zydis oral delivery system, provides once-daily adjunct therapy for Parkinson's disease patients who are already being treated with levodopa/carbidopa but are exhibiting deteriorating response. Valeant is based in Costa Mesa, Calif., at (800) 548-5100.

NEW INDICATIONS

The FDA has approved Avastin (bevacizumab) in combination with intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy for second-line metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), offering a new treatment option to patients who have received a previous treatment regimen. Avastin, the product of Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, (650) 225-1000, was approved earlier for first-line treatment of metastatic CRC.

NEW DELIVERY FORM

Healthpoint Ltd., Fort Worth, (800) 441-8227, is introducing a spray emulsion delivery for two of its wound-care treatments: Accuzyme (papain, urea), and Panafil (papain, urea, chlorophyllin copper complex sodium)-products for debriding and debriding/healing, respectively. The spray emulsion delivery is designed to reduce the risk of infection and disturbance to wounds. Each product is also available in ointment and spray form.