P&G launches UC pharmaceutical

CINCINNATI The pharmaceuticals division of Procter & Gamble has launched a drug for treating an inflammatory bowel disease.

Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals announced Tuesday the launch of Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, used to treat ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation of the colon and rectum.

Asacol HD tablets contain 800 mg of mesalamine and are indicated for the treatment of moderately active UC at a dose of 4.8 g/day.

The drug is another formulation of Asacol, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 1992. Asacol tablets contain 400 mg of mesalamine and are indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active UC at a dose of 2.4 g/day and for the maintenance of remission of UC at a dose of 1.6 g/day.