FDA approves Abbott's CREON capsules for treatment of EPI due to cystic fibrosis

AbbottJun 15 2011

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an infant-specific dose of CREON® (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release Capsules to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to cystic fibrosis (CF).  The CREON 3,000 units of lipase capsule provides the lowest dosage strength in the class approved by the FDA.  This new option will enable more precise dosing titration in accordance with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines for infant dosing.  

Most infants with CF require small doses of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with every feeding.  Until now, parents or caregivers administering an infant dose of PERT have had to open a capsule of a larger dose and measure out a portion of the contents. The new 3,000 units of lipase capsule will allow parents and caregivers to provide a more precise dose of lipase at every feeding.

The majority of people living with CF suffer from EPI.  They are unable to properly digest food because their bodies do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes, which may lead to malnutrition.  The pancreatic enzymes in CREON capsules work directly in the intestines to help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, allowing the body to better digest nutrients from food.  

″We know that the need for consistent, precise dosing of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is critical for infants and children living with cystic fibrosis," said Eugene Sun, M.D., vice president, Global Pharmaceutical Development, Abbott.  "This approval means that CREON will now be available in four dosing options, including both the lowest and highest dosage strengths available to patients in the United States, providing improved dosing titration options and flexibility into adulthood."  

In addition, Abbott serves CF patients' unique health needs with the CFCareForward program, which provides nutritional support for eligible patients in the form of multivitamins at no charge and other resources that support the needs of patients with CF.  CREON is the pancreatic enzyme chosen to treat three out of four CF patients in the United States, and as patients age and their needs evolve, CFCareForward evolves with them, providing a range of support options for every stage of life.