Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Launches Asacol(R) HD (mesalamine) Delayed-Relea...( CINCINNATI July 7 /- Procter & Ga...),Health

CINCINNATI, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&GP) announced today the availability of Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, which are indicated for the treatment of moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease. UC involves inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum and is typically characterized by flares followed by periods of remission. Moderately active UC is characterized by tougher symptoms than mildly active UC. Asacol HD is proven to help treat these tougher flares of moderately active UC. Asacol HD was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on evaluations from the ASCEND studies [Assessing the Safety and Clinical Efficacy of a New Dose of 5-ASA (4.8 g/day 800 mg tablet)].

In six-week clinical studies of moderately active UC flares, Asacol HD at 4.8 g/day helped many patients reduce their UC symptoms, including number of bowel movements and rectal bleeding, for some as early as three weeks. Asacol HD decreased the number of trips to the bathroom (i.e., number of bowel movements) in approximately three out of four of patients by six weeks and decreased rectal bleeding for approximately 80 percent of patients by six weeks. Patients should discuss their experiences with Asacol HD with a physician, as their individual results may vary.

"In six-week clinical trials of moderately active UC, Asacol HD helped reduce rectal bleeding and stool frequency, without the use of steroids. These encouraging results help support Asacol HD as an effective therapy in patients with moderately active UC," said Stephen B. Hanauer, M.D., Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the University of Chicago Medical Center. "Every patient's disease is different and requires a personal approach to treatment. A course of treatment that is right for one patient may not be right for another. Patients should speak with t
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