Martindale Pharma today announced the launch of Teglutik®, a unique oral liquid-suspension formulation of riluzole, the only licensed drug for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND). The launch represents an important development for patients with ALS, 80% of whom are unable to swallow due to dysphagia (discomfort in swallowing), a complication of the disease. Riluzole is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and has been proven to significantly extend survival in patients with ALSi. In clinical studies this extension of survival has been shown to be up to 2.8 months. However, this has been extended up to 21 months based on real world data. This milestone will therefore allow greater numbers of patients to benefit from an easy-to-take formulation of this medicine.ii, iii

Dr Katie Sidle, Co-Director MNDA MND Care and Research Centre at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London said: "The availability of a new liquid form of riluzole will be of great benefit to everyone involved in the care of patients with ALS. Many will suffer the distress of having to discontinue treatment due to their inability to swallow the current formulation or riluzole, the only treatment option available to treat ALS."

ALS which accounts for up to 85% of all cases of MND,iv, v is a devastating and ultimately fatal condition and 70% of patients will die within three years of disease onset. In the disease, motor neurons that control the muscles die and vital signals stop transmitting. As a result, the brain loses the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, leading to muscle wastage, significant disability, spasticity and, with no known cure, death.vi

"Martindale Pharma is committed to improving the lives of patients with this devastating condition. We are delighted to have achieved the approval of Teglutik, an innovation that may allow more patients to remain on this important treatment for longer" said Michael Clark, Chief Marketing Officer of Martindale Pharma.

Teglulik® is an oral liquid-suspension of riluzole which has been developed with a nectar-like consistency to provide a product to "start with and stay with". It has been shown to be bioequivalent to riluzole tablets and is indicated to to extend life or the time to mechanical ventilation for patients with ALS. Teglulik® (riluzole) is available through AAH and Alliance Healthcare Distrubution Limited.vii

For further information please contact Martindale Pharma on 0800 0287933 or the Medical Information Team on 01708 382145 or via medinfo@martindalepharma.co.uk

View the Summary of Product Characteristics https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/31219