Tillotts: Suppositories for treatment of ulcerative proctitis

Tillotts Pharma AG (“Tillotts”), part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is pleased to announce the launch of Asacol 1g (mesalazine), a high strength suppository indicated for treatment of adults with mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis symptoms.

Asacol 1g suppositories contain the active ingredient mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) and are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis limited to the rectum (ulcerative proctitis). The suppository is designed to promote soft, local relief for patients with an inflamed lining. With a single dose of Asacol 1g suppository per day, Tillotts offers a new patient-centric treatment. “Rectal formulations of mesalazine are an important component in the treatment scheme for ulcerative proctitis. They are under-utilised because of their embarrassing and inconvenient delivery route. We are pleased to add a high-strength suppository formulation to our mesalazine product range, allowing to reduce the number of daily applications. We are convinced that this will translate into better drug adherence and subsequently contribute to the well-being of our patients,” says Johannes Spleiss, Head of Scientific Affairs at Tillotts.

Asacol is available in 50 countries worldwide as Asacol and as Octasa, Asacolon and Fivasa in the UK, Ireland and France, respectively. In the Netherlands, Austria and the Baltics, it is marketed as Yaldigo. Complementing the existing products, including tablets in 400, 800 and 1600 mg strengths as well as enemas and suppositories, the new medication expands the Asacol range and further enhances the portfolio of Tillotts for the treatment of the digestive system.

With the marketing authorisation of Asacol respectively Octasa 1g suppositories in February 2021, the United Kingdom is the first country to launch the new medication. “The launch of Asacol 1g suppositories is yet another milestone, broadening our strong mesalazine portfolio and providing healthcare professionals and ulcerative colitis patients with a high strength 1g suppository as a complement to our newly launched, highest strength mesalazine tablet, the Asacol 1600mg tablet. Both are registered for once daily use as a step towards improving patient convenience and adherence,” says Mattias Norrman, Chief Operations Officer at Tillotts.