Proctor and Gamble trial higher doses of UC drug

A higher dose of mesalamine could benefit some patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), according to trial conducted by Proctor & Gamble (P&G).

The company said the results of the Ascend III trial of a double dose (800mg) of the drug prompted overall improvement in disease measures compared to a 400mg dose.

These mesalamine tablets are under development at P&G and are dosed at 4.8g a day (normally 2.4g a day).

Dr. Stephen Hanauer, professor of medicine and clinical pharmacology chief at the University of Chicago Medical Centre, said the importance of the Ascend III study is that it helps scientists understand which patients could benefit from higher doses of mesalamine.

“In this study the investigational 800mg mesalamine tablet dosed at 4.8g a day was well-tolerated and helped patients with moderately active UC manage their symptoms.”

David Lacy from P&G added that the “promising” data could point towards a new treatment option for patients with moderately active UC.

UC causes the intestine to become inflamed and affects approximately 100,000 people in the UK, according to NHS figures.