Exservan now available in the United States for patients with ALS

Exservan, the first oral film formulation of riluzole, has been made available in the United States for the treatment of ALS, according to a press release from Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, the drug’s manufacturer.

“People with ALS can develop difficulty swallowing, affecting how certain medications are administered,” Atsushi Fujimoto, president of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, said in the press release. Exservan (riluzole, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America) dissolves on top of the tongue and was developed to assist people with ALS who have difficulty with swallowing.

Exservan oral film is manufactured in 50 mg doses and is taken twice per day without food or liquids, according to the press release. It should be administered at least one hour before, or two hours after, a meal.

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America and Aquestive Therapeutics announced a licensing and supply deal for U.S. rights to Exservan earlier this year. The FDA first approved this formulation of riluzole in November 2019.

“Many people with ALS have, or will experience, difficulty swallowing some medications. I have even heard of some patients crushing tablets to take their medicine,” Gary L. Pattee, MD, a neurologist and ALS specialist based in Nebraska, said in the press release. “Alternative formulations of riluzole can play an important role in the treatment plan for people with ALS, including those who have difficulties swallowing some medications. This is exciting news for the ALS community.”

Reference:

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America announces Exservan is now available in the U.S. for the treatment of ALS. Available at: https://www.mt-pharma-america.com/2021/06/30/mitsubishi-tanabe-pharma-america-announces-exservan-riluzole-is-now-available-in-the-u-s-for-the-treatment-of-als/. Accessed June 30, 2021.