NPS Pharmaceuticals is a renowned pharmaceutical company located in New Jersey that focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics. The company is committed to improving patient outcomes by providing effective and safe medications for the treatment of various medical conditions.
Uses:
NPS Pharmaceuticals’ products are specifically designed to address the unmet needs of individuals with rare and complex diseases. These diseases are characterized by a limited number of patients and are often associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The company’s primary areas of focus include gastroenterology, endocrinology, and hematology.
One of the primary drugs developed by NPS Pharmaceuticals is Gattex® (teduglutide) for injection. This is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who require parenteral support. SBS is a rare, life-threatening condition that occurs when a significant portion of the small intestine is removed, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
Gattex works by enhancing the growth and efficiency of the remaining small intestine, thereby reducing the need for parenteral support such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Clinical trials have shown that Gattex significantly reduces the need for parenteral support and improves absorption capacity in patients with SBS.
Dosage:
Gattex is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily. The recommended dose is based on the patient’s body weight and ranges from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.20 mg/kg. The medication is self-administered by the patient after appropriate training.
It is important to note that Gattex should be used with caution in patients with a history of intestinal obstruction, bowel perforation, or adhesions. In addition, it may interact with other drugs that affect gastrointestinal motility.
Side effects:
Common side effects of Gattex include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and injection site reactions such as swelling, redness, and discomfort. Some patients may also experience headaches, fatigue, and hypersensitivity reactions.
In rare cases, Gattex may cause serious adverse effects such as intestinal obstruction, bowel perforation, and sepsis. Patients should be carefully monitored for any signs of these complications and treatment should be promptly discontinued if necessary.
Interactions:
Gattex may interact with drugs that affect gastrointestinal motility such as anticholinergic agents, opiates, and dopamine antagonists. In addition, it may interfere with the absorption of other medications taken orally. Patients should inform their physician or pharmacist of all medications they are taking before starting Gattex.
Generic:
Currently, there is no generic equivalent of Gattex available on the market. The drug is protected by patents that prevent the manufacture and sale of generic versions until the patents expire.
Demographic:
Gattex is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with short bowel syndrome who require parenteral support. This condition is relatively rare and affects only a small number of individuals. The incidence of SBS varies depending on the underlying cause, with the most common being surgical resection due to Crohn’s disease.
Conclusion:
NPS Pharmaceuticals is a leading pharmaceutical company that develops innovative therapeutics for rare and complex diseases. Gattex is one of the primary drugs developed by the company and is indicated for the treatment of short bowel syndrome in adult patients. While Gattex has been shown to be effective in reducing the need for parenteral support, it may cause side effects and interact with other drugs. Patients should consult with their physician or pharmacist before starting Gattex to ensure its safe use.