Avion introduces Gloperba

Avion, a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that its gout prophylaxis product, Gloperba (colchicine), is now commercially available in pharmacies across the United States.

The FDA approved Gloperba in a dosage strength of 0.6 mg/5 mL on Jan. 30, 2019, but the drug has not been commercially available until now.

Gout is a debilitating form of arthritis affecting an estimated 8.7 million people in the United States. The disease is caused by elevated levels of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can trigger painful and debilitating inflammation. Gout can become a chronic condition if left untreated.

Physicians have long used colchicine to treat gout, but they are often required to adjust dosing or interrupt treatment to minimize the potential for side effects, especially in patients with liver or kidney disease, which are common comorbidities of gout, the company said.

Prior to Gloperba, colchicine was only available in tablet and capsule forms, which can make dose adjustments difficult for patients. As a liquid oral solution, Gloperba allows physicians and patients to easily tailor dosing as needed.

“Gloperba brings a new level of flexibility and control to the management of gout with colchicine,” said Art Deas, Avion’s CEO. “Every gout patient is unique. As a liquid, Gloperba gives physicians the power to easily individualize treatment and titrate dosing based on their patients’ unique needs.”