Pharmaprojects R&D Pipeline News Feed
Paricalcitrol capsules launched in the UK
15 Apr 2008
Abbott has launched paricalcitrol capsules (as Zemplar) in the UK, a first launch in this format in Europe following its US release in 2005. This oral formulation of paricalcitrol will now be available for the treatment and prevention of secondary hyperthyroidism, one of the earliest and most common chronic kidney disease complications.
Paricalcitol is a vitamin D receptor activator that was first launched for intravenous administration in the US in 1998 and in the UK in 2005. It targets vitamin D receptors and calcium-sensing receptors in parathyroid glands, decreasing parathyroid proliferation, synthesis and secretion whilst having a minimal effect on calcium and phosphorus levels, thereby minimising hypercalcaemia risks when treating hyperthyroidism.
Until now the only treatment option in the UK for secondary hyperthyroidism has been paricalcitol injections for patients with chronic kidney failure receiving haemodialysis, rated as chronic kidney disease stage 5. The UK launch of Zemplar capsules extends the indications, allowing treatment as early on as chronic kidney disease stages 3 and 4, as well as providing the clear benefits of oral drug administration.
