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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Horizon Pharma Inc. has launched Duexis, a proprietary single-tablet combination of ibuprofen (800 mg) and famotidine (26.6 mg), in the United States.
The pharmaceutical company said Monday that Duexis is indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers in patients who are taking ibuprofen for those indications.
Horizon reported that according to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects nearly 46 million Americans and, with the aging of the U.S. population, the prevalence of the condition is expected to rise about 40% by 2030, impacting 67 million people.
The company noted that non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective at relieving pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, yet these treatments may results in significant upper gastrointestinal-associated adverse events.
"With the launch of Duexis, patients who suffer from the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and who also may be at risk for developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers from NSAID use, have a new and potentially important treatment option," stated Timothy Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Horizon. "Beginning today, our sales representatives are introducing Duexis to physicians across the United States. We expect broad managed care access to Duexis and plan to ensure it is available to patients at a reasonable out-of-pocket cost."
