LONDON, September 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Norgine B.V. today announced that the National Health Authority in Switzerland, Bundesamt für Gesundheit, has approved the reimbursement of XIFAXAN® 550 (rifaximin-α 550mg) as an add-on therapy to non-absorbable disaccharides as it can reduce the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients aged 18 years or older with hepatic cirrhosis. Hepatic encephalopathy is a potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric condition associated with liver disease. It is estimated that 740,000 people in Europe are affected by cirrhosis, of which hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication.[1] , [2] , [3] , [4]
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This positive decision acknowledges that XIFAXAN® 550 can reduce the relative risk of recurrent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy by 58%, with an associated 50% reduction of hospitalisations.[5] Furthermore, it supports the value of XIFAXAN® 550 (rifaximin-α 550mg) as a much needed therapy when it is known there is currently no cure for hepatic encephalopathy apart from liver transplantation.
XIFAXAN® 550 is reimbursed in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Scotland, Sweden and United Kingdom. Norgine and Alfa Wassermann are continuing to work with other Health Technology Assessment bodies across Europe to ensure patients have appropriate access to this important medicine.
Peter Martin, Chief Operating Officer Norgine, commented, "We are pleased that Bundesamt für Gesundheit has approved the reimbursement of XIFAXAN® 550, acknowledging the value that this medicine can bring to patients and their families. Hepatic encephalopathy has a huge impact on the lives of patients, their families and careers, XIFAXAN® 550 can help to reduce the burden that repeated hepatic encephalopathy episodes bring."
Norgine currently holds marketing rights for XIFAXAN® 550 (known as TARGAXAN®▼ 550 in the UK and some other markets) in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, MENA, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Full release on http://www.norgine.com
1. Bundesamt für Gesundheit final decision for rifaxmin: http://www.spezialitätenliste.ch/ShowPreparations.aspx Accessed online 1 September 2015.
2. Blachier M, Leleu H, Peck-Radosavljevic M, et al. The burden of liver disease in Europe: a review of available epidemiological data. J Hepatol 2013; 58(3): 593-608
3. Eurostat. World population 1960-2012. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics--‐explained/index.php/File:World_population,_1960--‐2012.png (Accessed February 2015)
4. Sheasgreen C et al, Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hepatic encephalopathy. Inflammopharmacol 2014;22(6): 319-326
5. Bass NM et al. Rifaximin treatment in hepatic encephalopathy. New Eng J Med 2010; 362(12):1071-1081
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