Lupin launched hepatic encephalopathy drug Zaxine in Canada

Drug Maker Lupin Limited on 20 April 2015 launched hepatic encephalopathy drug Zaxine in Canada under a licensing agreement of US-based Salix Pharmaceuticals Company.

The agreement to launch Zaxine drug was signed in September 2014. Under the agreement, Lupin Pharma Canada Ltd has exclusive rights to sell the drug in Canada.

Also, Lupin has the option to exclusively market, distribute and sell other gastroenterology products in Salix’s Canadian portfolio.

Zaxine is the brand name for rifaximin. Zaxine is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis of liver. It is used in long-term treatment for adults in 550mg doses.

Lupin will promote the product to hepatologists and gastroenterologists through its own sales people in Canada. Zaxine has been approved by Health Canada under priority review for the reduction in risk of overt HE recurrence in patients.

Zaxine is first launch under the agreement with Salix.