Axcan acquires Viokase product line from Wyeth-Ayerst.MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1996--Axcan Pharma Inc. (ME,TSE:AXP) announces that it has acquired the Viokase(R) product line previously marketed by Wyeth-Ayerst in Canada. As Axcan indicated at the time of its initial public offering in 1995, a part of the proceeds of the issue will be used to finance this acquisition. This transaction solidifies Axcan's position in the gastroenterology field. Viokase(R) is indicated in the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas. This disease is found frequently in dogs. EPI is also found in humans afflicted with cystic fibrosis. , associated but not limited to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy Pancreatectomy Definition Pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of the pancreas. Pancreatectomy may be total, in which case the whole organ is removed, or partial, referring to the removal of part of the pancreas. or obstruction of the pancreas duct. The incidence of chronic pancreatitis is 0.16 to 2.8 percent of the total population (Stanik 1975) and is more widespread in regions with high standards of living and greater alcohol consumption. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening hereditary condition of children. Next to cancer, CF takes the lives of more Canadian children than any other disease. In addition, CF is the most common lethal genetic disease of white populations with an incidence of 1 in 2,000 live births. Viokase(R) is a pancreatic enzyme preparation containing standardized lipase lipase (lī`pās), any enzyme capable of degrading lipid molecules. The bulk of dietary lipids are a class called triacylglycerols and are attacked by lipases to yield simple fatty acids and glycerol, molecules which can permeate the membranes , protease and amylase amylase (ăm`əlās'), enzyme having physiological, commercial, and historical significance, also called diastase. It is found in both plants and animals. Amylase was purified (1835) from malt by Anselme Payen and Jean Persoz. in fixed proportions. The acquisition of Viokase(R) complements Axcan's own existing range of gastroenterology products including Salofalk(R) for inflammatory bowel disease inflammatory bowel disease n. Abbr. IBD Any of several incurable and debilitating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and obstruction of parts of the intestine. , Amphojel(R), an antacid preparation, Helisal(TM), a rapid whole blood test for in-office detection of Helicobacter pylori, and URSO(TM) ursodiol, currently awaiting FDA review for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Definition Primary biliary cirrhosis is the gradual destruction of the biliary system for unknown reasons. Description . Axcan Pharma specializes not only in the field of gastroenterology but is also active in contraception, the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases Sexually transmitted diseases Infections that are acquired and transmitted by sexual contact. Although virtually any infection may be transmitted during intimate contact, the term sexually transmitted disease is restricted to conditions that are largely and hemodialysis. Founded in 1983, its head office is located in Mont-St-Hilaire (Quebec), and it has other offices and subsidiaries in Laval (Quebec), Calgary, (Alberta), and Plattsburgh, (New York). CONTACT: Axcan Pharma Inc. Leon F. Gosselin, 514/467-5138 |
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