New product newswire: September 4, 2006

RXNEW DRUGS

MoviPrep (PEG 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, and ascorbic acid for oral solution) has received FDA approval for two-liter bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy. Salix Pharmaceuticals, Raleigh, N.C., (919) 862-1000, has exclusive rights to MoviPrep in the United States. The addition of ascorbic acid to the preparation improves the taste and allows MoviPrep to provide the level of bowel cleansing available only with four-liter bowel-cleansing agents.

Princeton, N.J.-based Barrier Therapeutics has received approval for Xolegel (ketoconazole, USP) 2%, a waterless gel for topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent adults and children 12 years of age and older. Previously known by the company as Sebazole, the antifungal agent is the first U.S.-approved prescription gel formulation of ketoconazole. For further information, call the company at (609) 945-1200.

NEW INDICATIONS

Humira (adalimumab), a human monoclonal antibody, has received FDA approval for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The agent, a product of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., (800) 255-5162, was approved earlier for treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The dosing for AS is 40 mg every other week, deliverable by subcutaneous injection.

NOW AVAILABLE

Pfizer's Chantix (varenicline) is now in pharmacies nationwide. It is being offered to consumers with the GETQUIT Support Plan at no additional cost. The medication allegedly binds to the same receptors as nicotine does but activates the receptors to a lesser extent. If a person smokes during Chantix treatment, it is believed the drug will block the nicotine from binding and lessen the effect of the nicotine. Pfizer is headquartered in New York City at (212) 733-2323.