NEW YORK, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Forest Laboratories, Inc.
(NYSE: FRX) announced today that an oral solution formulation of
Namenda(R)(memantine HCl), the only FDA-approved treatment for moderate to
severe Alzheimer's disease, is now available to physicians, patients, and
pharmacies nationwide. Oral solution offers an alternative that may make
administration of Namenda easier for those patients who have trouble
swallowing tablets, and for those who prefer taking medication in liquid form.
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The oral solution of Namenda is equivalent on a milligram per milligram
basis to the Namenda tablets and is administered in the same manner. Namenda
oral solution is available in a 2mg/ml concentration, 360 ml (12 oz) bottle.
About Namenda
Namenda (memantine HCl) is the first in a class of medications with a
unique mechanism of action that focuses on the glutamate pathway, a target for
the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Indicated for the treatment of moderate
to severe Alzheimer's disease, the FDA approved Namenda (October 2003) based
on three studies of Namenda used alone or in combination with another
Alzheimer's disease drug.
Namenda is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to
memantine HCl or any excipients used in the formulation. The most common
adverse events reported with Namenda vs placebo (greater-than or equal-to 5%
and higher than placebo) were dizziness, confusion, headache, and
constipation. In patients with severe renal impairment, the dosage should be
reduced.
About Forest Laboratories and Its Products
Forest Laboratories' growing line of products includes: Lexapro(R)
(escitalopram oxalate), an SSRI antidepressant indicated for the initial and
maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder and for generalized anxiety
disorder in adults; Namenda(R)(memantine HCl), an N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA)-receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe
Alzheimer's disease; Benicar(R)*(olmesartan medoxomil), an angiotensin
receptor blocker indicated for the treatment of hypertension; Benicar
HCT(R)(olmesartan medoxomil hydrochlorothiazide), an angiotensin receptor
blocker and diuretic combination product indicated for the second-line
treatment of hypertension; Campral(R)*(acamprosate calcium), a glutamate
receptor modulator, indicated for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol
in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation
in combination with psychosocial support; and Combunox(TM)(Oxycodone HCl and
Ibuprofen), an opioid and NSAID combination indicated for the short-term
management of acute, moderate to severe pain.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this release
contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that affect our business, including risk factors listed from
time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and on form 10-Q
for the periods ended June 30, 2005. Actual results may differ materially
from those projected.
- Benicar is a registered trademark of Sankyo Pharma Inc.; Campral is a
registered trademark under license from Merck Sante s.a.s., subsidiary
of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Forest Laboratories markets Namenda(R)(memantine HCl) in the United States
under license from Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. of Germany. Lundbeck, under license
from Merz, markets memantine as Ebixa(R), and Merz markets memantine as
Axura(R) and as Akatinol(R), each in a number of markets worldwide. Ebixa,
Axura, and Akatinol are registered trademarks Merz Pharma GmbH & Co.
SOURCE Forest Laboratories, Inc.
CONTACT: Charles Triano, Vice President, Investor Relations of Forest
Laboratories, Inc., +1-212-224-6714, Charles.Triano@frx.com; or Physician
Contact: Professional Affairs, 1-800-678-1605 Ext. 7301, for Forest
Laboratories
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Web site: http://www.frx.com