June 20, 2011
Holbæk, Denmark - The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has
recommended the use of Pharmacosmos's Monofer® (iron isomaltoside
1000), the intravenous (IV) iron for the treatment of iron
deficiency anaemia (IDA) when oral iron preparations are
ineffective or cannot be used or where there is a clinical need to
deliver iron rapidly.
The use is restricted to administration by high dose infusion
within the licensed indication but excluding use in patients
receiving haemodialysis. This provides an immediate opportunity for
patients in Scotland to benefit from high dose therapy and rapid
iron correction of their anaemia especially in pre-dialysis,
chronic heart failure and inflammatory bowel disease.
SMC states that Monofer® offers value for money for the NHS in
Scotland.
"We are delighted to have received the SMC's acceptance for
Monofer®. Iron deficiency anaemia is a global health problem and
Monofer® is now accessible to patients requiring high dose rapid
intravenous iron. Monofer® has a proven efficacy and safety record
from clinical studies and Monofer's high doses administration will
result in fewer visits to hospitals for Scottish patients," says
Lars Christensen, M.D., President and CEO of Pharmacosmos.
About Iron deficiency anaemia, IDA
Anaemia is a condition in which the blood does not supply the
body's tissues with enough oxygen.
The most common form of the condition is iron deficiency
anaemia. This is where the body lacks enough iron to keep the red
blood cells functioning properly. Iron deficiency anaemia is one of
the most common diseases in the world.
The WHO estimates that more than 1.5 billion people are affected
on a global scale due to a variety of causes including bleeding,
insufficient dietary intake, and pregnancy.
In some patients iron tablets can effectively treat the iron
deficiency but in a number of people tablets are not sufficient.
This can be due to large iron deficits, poor absorption or side
effects among others.
About Monofer®
Monofer® is an iron replacement therapy that can be given
intravenous as a fast single high dose treatment for patients with
iron deficiency when tablets are ineffective or cannot be used.
Monofer® may be advantageous compared with other intravenous
preparations, which need to be administered in lower doses or over
longer periods of time.
Monofer® has been approved in 22 European countries based on
studies in patients with chronic kidney disease or heart failure
and iron deficiency anaemia.
Further information
Lars Christensen, M.D., President and CEO of Pharmacosmos
T: +45 5948 5959
Link to SMC
Briefing note: iron isomaltoside (Monofer)
About Pharmacosmos A/S
Pharmacosmos develops and markets
medicines for the treatment of iron deficiency. A research-based
company, its ongoing R&D programme focuses on improving the
treatment options for healthcare professionals and patients
suffering from iron deficiency.
Pharmacosmos is a privately-owned
Danish company and operates in more than 50 countries across
Europe, the Americas and Asia. Its facilities are approved by the
Danish Medicines Agency and the US Food & Drug
Administration.