IS Pharma launches drug for bleeding oesophageal varices in the UK
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
IS Pharma has launched Variquel (terlipressin) for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices in the UK. The synthetic vasopressin analogue, which gained approval under the EU's mutual recognition procedure in March this year, is already marketed for this indication in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Five vials of the product, for five injections, will cost £89.48. Terlipressin is under regulatory review, as Orphan Therapeutic's Lucassin, in the US as a treatment for type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (scripnews.com, June 16th, 2009).