for prophylaxis of gout flares in adults, according to a statement from Romeg Therapeutics.
Colchicine has been used in capsule and tablet forms to treat this form of arthritis for decades. An advantage to the new formulation is that it allows physicians to “easily make dose adjustments,” according to the statement.
“Existing therapies do not adequately address the physician’s need to adjust dosages of colchicine to manage the toxicity profile for patients with renal and liver impairments, side effects, common drug-to-drug interactions, and age-related health disorders,” said Naomi Vishnupad, PhD, chief scientific officer of Romeg Therapeutics, in the statement.
According to the prescribing information for the drug on the FDA website, this formulation is indicated for prophylaxis rather than acute treatment of gout flares because the safety profile of acute treatment with it has not yet been studied. It is contraindicated in patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly reported adverse reactions.
The drug is expected to be available this summer.