To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Zeffix Approved In Taiwan For Chronic Hepatitis B URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/140C3E.htm Doctor's Guide November 1, 1999
LAVAL, QC -- November 1, 1999 -- The Department of Health in Taiwan has approved BioChem Pharma Inc.'s Zeffix (lamivudine), the first effective oral treatment for chronic hepatitis B discovered by BioChem Pharma and marketed by Glaxo Wellcome.
Zeffix is indicated for the treatment of patients, 16 years of age or older, with chronic hepatitis B and evidence of viral replication. In addition to significantly reducing liver inflammation, Zeffix has been shown in clinical trials to produce, after three years of continued treatment, seroconversion(x) rates of 65 percent in patients with active liver disease(xx) and 40 percent in the overall patient group.
According to World Health Organization estimates, approximately 350 million people around the world are long-term (chronic) carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), including more than 2.5 million people in Taiwan.
Zeffix is already available in a number of countries including the US (as Epivir- HBV), Canada (as Heptovir), South Korea, the European Union and was recently launched for sale in China (as Heptodin).
Under agreement, BioChem Pharma receives royalties from Glaxo Wellcome on sales of lamivudine for use in both HIV/AIDS (3TC/Epivir/Combivir) and HBV (Zeffix/Epivir-HBV/Heptovir/Heptodin). Glaxo Wellcome has the right to develop, manufacture and sell lamivudine worldwide, except in Canada, where BioChem Pharma and Glaxo Wellcome have formed a commercialization partnership.
Epivir, 3TC, Combivir, Zeffix, Epivir-HBV, Heptovir and Heptodin are trademarks of the Glaxo Wellcome Group of Companies.
Legend:
(x) Loss of hepatitis B virus antigen and gain of antibodies against the virus in the blood - an indicator of long-lasting improvement of the disease.
(xi) Greater than twice the upper limit of the normal level of a liver enzyme called ALT (alanine aminotransferase).
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