EFN

The FDA has approved the first medical treatment in 40 years for gout. Uloric has been developed and will be marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America. Uloric will be available by prescription in strengths of 40 or 80 mg pills to be taken by mouth once daily.

Over the last 40 years, Allopurinol had been prescribed for gout. Doctors were concerned and hesitant to prescribe Allopurinol due to side effects. Patients, in some cases, would report rashes or exruciatingly painful and could result in death skin reactions.

Gout, an inflammation of the joints that causes smelling, red hot and stiff joints is a form of arthritis. The sufferer usually will have symptoms of the condition first appear in the large toe. It then moves to the knee and lower joints. Patients suffering with gout are disabled and cannot function until the pain and swelling is relieved.

For years, gout was known as the condition isolated to kings. Reason: kings were found to be overweight, high meat eaters and lacked daily activities or exercise.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, Uloric Acid in high deposits creates an enzyme known as xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase is inhibited from formation by use of the previously prescribed medicine known as Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor. The new drug approved by the FDA is totally different in chemical makeup from this drug.

Febuxostat works to lower the uric acid concentration in the blood of patients suffering with gout. Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme involved in the body’s production of uric acid.

A statement issued by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, reports that approximately 6 million adults ranging in age from 20 years and older have suffered with gout. Men generally in their 40’s or 50’s will suffer with the condition. Women who have not experienced menopause may suffer with gout. After menopause, no episodes have been reported. Individuals who have had an organ transplant are also susceptible.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America is Asia’s largest drug maker. Uloric, which was first introduced to the US Food and Drug Administration in 2004, recommended doses in 80 to 120 milligrams. It took US regulators four years to analyze and approve the drug for use in the United States. Their concerns were regarding the potential increased risk for heart attacks or strokes. The FDA requested the drug resubmitted in lower doses of 40 to 80 milligrams. Takeda was able to work with the lower doses.