LEO Pharma Inc. has introduced a new option for the administration of Adtralza® (tralokinumab 300 mg/2 mL) in Canada to help treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The new single-use pre-filled pen simplifies the injection process, offering patients an alternative to the previously available 1 mL pre-filled syringe. This innovation reduces the number of required injections by half, making it a more convenient option for patients.
Adtralza is specifically indicated for patients aged 12 and older who have not found adequate control of their AD through topical prescription therapies or for whom those therapies are not suitable. The new pre-filled pen comes with a hidden needle and a press-down auto-injection feature, addressing concerns for those uncomfortable with needles.
The introduction of the pre-filled pen has been met with positive feedback from healthcare professionals. Dr. Chih-ho Hong, a board-certified dermatologist in Greater Vancouver and the national coordinating investigator for the ECZTRA 6 trial in Canada, emphasized the pen's advantages. He noted that the pen not only simplifies the injection process but also significantly reduces the treatment burden by halving the number of required injections.
Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director of the Eczema Society of Canada, expressed optimism about the new treatment option. She highlighted that atopic dermatitis can be a challenging condition to manage and that more treatment options bring more hope to those affected.
Jill Archibald, President and CEO of LEO Pharma Inc., Canada, reiterated the company's commitment to supporting patients by providing convenient treatment options that align with their goals. She emphasized that the new pre-filled pen offers Canadians with moderate-to-severe AD an additional treatment choice.
For those who prefer the pre-filled syringe, this option will continue to be available in Canada.
Adtralza works by targeting the IL-13 cytokine, a significant component in the immune process linked to the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The medication binds specifically to the IL-13 cytokine with high affinity, preventing its interaction with IL-13 receptor subunits. Adtralza is available in both a single-use pre-filled syringe (150 mg/1 mL) and the new single-use pre-filled pen (300 mg/2 mL).
In Canada, Adtralza received approval from Health Canada in October 2021 for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults. The indication was expanded in February 2023 to include adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. The pre-filled pen received its approval in August 2023.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, red, and intensely itchy patches. These patches can become scaly, crusted, or hardened, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life. Eczema is most commonly found on the flexor areas, such as the bends of the arms and behind the knees. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and is often associated with other atopic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
LEO Pharma is a global leader in dermatology, dedicated to advancing the standard of care for people with skin conditions. Established in 1908 and majority-owned by the LEO Foundation, the company has dedicated extensive research and development efforts to dermatological science. LEO Pharma offers a broad range of therapies for various skin conditions and serves millions of patients worldwide, with a team of 4,200 global employees, headquartered in Denmark.
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