European Commission Approves New Esbriet Tablet for IPF Treatment
Written by |
The European Commission (EC) recently approved a new formulation of Esbriet (pirfenidone) tablets for the treatment of mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to Roche, Esbriet’s developer, the new tablet formulation will reduce the number of pills patients need to take throughout the day, offering patients an easier treatment option.
Roche plans to launch the new tablets in several European countries throughout 2017. The tablets, which come in a 801 mg and a 267 mg formulation, were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2017, and are already available in the U.S.
Earlier Esbriet formulations require some patients to take three capsules three times per day. The new 801 mg instant release tablet achieves the same drug concentration as the three capsules, but patients only need to take one tablet three times a day. With this alternative, Roche hopes to provide IPF patients with a new option for maintenance treatment with Esbriet involving fewer pills per day.
Roche also reported that the new 267 mg tablet is smaller than the earlier 267 mg capsule, which might make it easier to swallow.
“We are pleased to launch this important new formulation for people living with IPF, as part of our mission to improve the lives of patients with this devastating disease,” Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s chief medical officer and head of global product development, said in a press release.
Studies have shown that Esbriet reduces disease progression, with a slower decline of lung function and in exercise capacity. The treatment also reduces rates of respiratory hospitalizations, and allows IPF patients to live for longer, reducing the risk of death by 48 percent in one of the clinical trials, compared to placebo treatment. This makes Esbriet a crucial treatment for a disease that typically causes the death of half of IPF patients within three years following a diagnosis.
“We are committed to helping people living with IPF, and being able to provide a tablet formulation of Esbriet gives patients more options for the management of their condition.” Horning said.
Researchers also believe that current research into how Esbriet prevents disease progression in people with lung fibrosis may lead to the development of even better antifibrotic treatments in the future.
Lorna
How do we get the new 801 dose of Esbriet? I take the 267 x 9 now.
Magdalena Kegel
Hi Lorna,
If you live in Europe, the new tablet has not been launched yet. Consult with your physician and let him know that you want to switch when they become available.
Mary McGarry
Hi when will the be launched in Europe
Have the same side effects as the 267 x 9
Linda Sorensen
This is wonderful news. I get so tired of swallowing 9 pills a day. I've quit taking my vitamins because I just can't take any more pills. I've been on Esbriet since December 2016 but have not had a evaluation to see if the progression has stopped or slowed. I was diagnosed with IPF in May 2016.
Richard Groat
Used these for over two months with no slow down that I could notice.
One person on for over six months without results.
Are these pills for real?
Debbie Miller
Any idea when they will,be available in the US and will the price still be as expensive?
Amy Winter
Does it alleviate some of the side effects?
rijadi soekamto
How in south Asien in my country Indonesia .....
[email protected]
Will this work for nsip?
Magdalena Kegel
Roche states that the new tablets are already available in the U.S., but they have not offered specific dates on when they will be launched in various European countries. I have no information about plans to launch the tablets outside the U.S. and Europe, unfortunately. At this time, I also have no information about price.
Side effects will most likely not differ from the old tablets. The new tablets hold the same amount of drug and act on disease processes in the same way as the old Esbriet tablets.
Mary Arehart
I wonder. I was just approved in the states but haven't started. No one has told me if it will be the new 801 pill but I sure hope it will be.