New Formulation Offers Another Treatment Option of Noxafil for Critically Ill Patients

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited) announced the UK launch of Noxafil (posaconazole), 300 mg concentrate for solution for intravenous infusion (IV), which offers another option to treat fungal infections in critically ill patients who are unable to take oral versions. This follows the European Commission approval granted on 18 September 2014.

Posaconazole now offers the benefit of being available in a range of formulations, to suit the needs of various clinical situations and different types of patients. Following the completion of the IV clinical development programme, where the pharmacokinetic and safety data was bridged to the existing data (including efficacy data) from the oral suspension studies, posaconazole is now available as concentrate for solution for infusion with a once-daily dosing regimen after a twice-daily loading dose on day one.

“The availability of the IV infusion allows clinicians to start posaconazole, knowing they can continue treatment as patients’ clinical needs change by switching between formulations according to dosing recommendations,” commented Professor Graham Jackson, Haematology Department, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

The marketing authorisation for posaconazole concentrate for solution for infusion was supported by the results of a non-comparative multi-centre study performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties, safety and tolerability of posaconazole concentrate for solution for infusion.

“Posaconazole concentrate for solution for infusion now offers another treatment option for clinicians when treating critically ill patients and where the oral tablet or oral suspension are less suitable.” said Paul Lamba, Director of Medical Affairs at MSD UK. “We are pleased to be able to add the new intravenous posaconazole formulation to our portfolio of medicines for infectious diseases in the hospital and clinic.”