Inpharma 1342 - 15 Jun 2002

Recent product news from CanadaOryx Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Canada have launched oxcarbazepine [‘Trileptal’] intablet and suspension formulations for the treatment ofpartial seizures in adults with epilepsy.1 Oxcarbazepineis indicated for use at the initiation of monotherapy;when converting to monotherapy from existingantiepileptic drugs in adults; and as adjunctive therapyin patients aged ≥ 6 years.

Schering Canada has received approval for itspegylated interferon-based combination therapyproduct [‘Pegetron’], comprising PEG interferon-α-2bpowder for solution plus ribavirin 200mg capsules, forthe treatment of adult patients with hepatitis C virusinfection.2

Merck’s caspofungin [‘Cancidas’] has been approvedby Health Canada for the treatment of invasiveaspergillosis in patients who do not tolerate, or fail torespond to, the other antifungal treatments,amphotericin B, lipid formulations of amphotericin Band/or itraconazole.3

1. Oryx Pharmaceuticals Inc, et al. Oryx Pharmaceuticals and NovartisPharmaceuticals Canada Introduce A New Treatment For Epilepsy Trileptal(*)in tablets and suspension represent the first new product in the treatment ofepilepsy in five years Media Release : 11 Jun 2002. Available from: URL: http://www.oryxpharma.com.

2. Schering Canada Inc. Schering Canada Inc. - Pegetron(TM) Receives HealthCanada Approval for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Media Release : 6Jun 2002. Available from: URL: http://www.newswire.ca.

3. Merck and Co Inc. Long-awaited by physicians for patients susceptible to fatalfungal infections - First Novel Antifungal Agent in 40 Years, Cancidas(TM), isMerck’s Latest Discovery Media Release : 5 Jun 2002. Available from: URL:http://www.newswire.ca.

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Inpharma 15 Jun 2002 No. 13421173-8324/10/1342-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved