Table of Contents
NEW YORK — Forest Laboratories Inc. has released Namenda XR, a once-daily capsule for Alzheimer’s disease, to U.S. pharmacies.
Forest Labs said Thursday that Namenda XR (memantine hydrochloride, 28 mg) is a higher-dose, once-daily extended-release formulation of its Namenda (memantine) immediate-release medication.
"We are pleased to be introducing Namenda XR so that patients can benefit from the convenience of a once-daily regimen that aligns with once-daily AChEIs [acetylcholinesterase inhibitors]," stated Dr. Marco Taglietti, president Forest Research Institute. “The Namenda XR study supports the existing body of evidence that memantine provides cognitive and global benefits in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease either alone or with an AChEI."
The new extended-release product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, according to the company.
"Caring for a loved one with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s is a daily challenge, especially when a caregiver is responsible for administering as many as nine prescription medications every day," commented John Schall, president and chief executive officer of the Caregiver Action Network (CAN). "Treatment options that could help lessen this burden may be a welcome relief for the millions of caregivers across the U.S. who are already managing with multiple tasks on a daily basis."
