To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: AutoImmune Disorders Treatment, HP Acthar (Corticotropin) Gel, Now Widely Available URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2076D6.htm Doctor's Guide September 28, 2001
UNION CITY, CA -- September 28, 2001 -- Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it began shipping HP Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) to wholesalers after a four-year period during which limited supplies were available. Acthar Gel previously had been available only in limited amounts as part of a special access program administered by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). The agent is used to treat seriously ill children with a seizure complex, referred to as West syndrome, or infantile spasm, a potentially fatal disorder, as well as patients with multiple sclerosis who experience severe and painful episodes of "flare."
"We are delighted that Questcor is making this critically important product more widely available after this long period of restricted distribution," said Abbey S. Meyers, President of NORD. "We have been working closely with the company over the last several months to ensure that anyone with a need for Acthar Gel is now able to readily receive the product through more traditional channels. Too many people have suffered as a result of not having access to Acthar Gel."
Questcor estimates the reintroduction of Acthar Gel into normal distribution channels should open access to an additional 5,000 patients suffering from various autoimmune disorders. Previously with the limited access program, approximately 1,600 patients annually were allowed access to Acthar Gel.
The company announced in July 2001 that it acquired the worldwide rights to the corticotropin product, which is indicated for the treatment of numerous autoimmune disorders, and would reintroduce Acthar Gel to the general marketplace by the end of September.
Acthar Gel was originally introduced to the U.S. market in 1952 by Armour Laboratories. It is indicated for a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, disorders related to the endocrine, rheumatic, and hematological systems; diseases related to the nervous system such as acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, collagen, dermatologic, ophthalmic, respiratory, neoplastic, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as edematous and allergic states.
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