OPKO Health Citicoline Solutions Approved for Commercialisation in Spain

OPKO Health Inc.'s oral and injectable citicoline formulations have been approved for commercialisation in Spain by the health authority Agencia Espanola de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios.

There is a strong market for the product in the country, with the manufacturer claiming that the branded Somazina solution, which is manufactured by Elder Pharmaceuticals, achieved US$80 million in sales throughout 2012.

OPKO chief executive and chairman Dr Phillip Frost said: "OPKO plans to commercialise its oral and injectable citicoline products in Europe, Latin America and other markets as well."

Studies suggest that citicoline supplements can help to improve certain cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration, meaning that it is sometimes recommended as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment.

Research also suggests that it could have clinical application in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, although it is often used by healthy people looking to improve brain health and cognitive performance.