Neurology and Other
Our comprehensive portfolio of well-established specialty pharmaceuticals targets neurological diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease and orphan diseases. Valeant's Neurology and Other product portfolio offers hope for relief to patients suffering from these conditions.
Aton Pharma, Inc.
In May 2010, Valeant acquired Aton Pharma, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on ophthalmology and certain orphan drug indications, located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. This acquisition significantly enhances Valeant's neurology and other products franchise in the United States with both an in-line business and a development pipeline consisting primarily of orphan drug compounds. The acquisition of Aton fits into Valeant's long-term strategy to pursue diversified opportunities within the pharmaceutical market and offers another platform for future growth.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, affecting over 50 million people worldwide, and 2.7 million Americans of all ages. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year in the U.S., with 10 percent of the American population experiencing a seizure in their lifetime.
Epilepsy is a neurological brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing a seizure. Seizures can cause changes in behavior and emotions, strange sensations and sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity - from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development - can lead to seizures. In 70 percent of new cases, no cause is apparent.
Valeant provides epilepsy patients with Diastat® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel). Diastat® AcuDial™ is the only FDA-approved at-home acute treatment for breakthrough seizures. It's effective, safe, and easy application provides children with breakthrough seizures an option for relief.
Parkinson's Disease
With more than one million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year, Valeant remains committed to the Parkinson's disease community.
Valeant's treatments for Parkinson's disease include Zelapar® and TASMAR® (tolcapone). Zelapar® uses a novel oral delivery system called Zydis Technology, which allows the tablets to dissolve within seconds in the mouth resulting in once-daily dosing.
TASMAR® (tolcapone) is an adjunct oral medication that is used in combination with other Parkinson's medicines. It is used in combination with levodopa and carbidopa for patients with severe Parkinson's disease who are not responding satisfactorily to, or are not appropriate candidates for, other adjunct therapies. TASMAR® is also used when other Parkinson's medicines begin to wear off - that is, become less effective over time. When this happens, Parkinson's symptoms may occur or get worse throughout a day, before it is time for the next dose of medicine.
Migraine is a condition of the brain that affects almost 28 million Americans. While the causes of migraines are not completely understood, it is believed that they are rooted in the central nervous system and the brain stem. The intense pain and other symptoms may be a result of interference in the brain’s normal ability to perceive pain. Brain chemicals that are involved in our emotions may also play a role, which could be why depression and/or anxiety can be warning signs of an impending migraine attack.
Treatments like Migranal® (dihydroergotamine mesylate, USP) operate on pain receptor sites in the brain, reducing the pain as well as nausea and sensitivity to light/sound. Additionally, Migranal focuses on the dual causes of migraine pain, known as peripheral and central nervous system pain.
Valeant's neurological portfolio offers many other products to assist patients with these conditions. Please view our portfolio to further explore the available options.
www.diastatacudial.com
www.zelapar.com
www.tasmar.com
www.migranal.com