Marion Merrell Dow’s Pentasa (mesalamine)

Company will launch the product in the U.S. in early July following FDA approval May 10. Pentasa controlled-release capsules were approved for induction of remission and symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis, a condition which MMD estimates affects more than 1 mil. Americans. Procter & Gamble markets Asacol mesalamine delayed-release tablets which are indicated for treating mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. Solvay markets Rowasa mesalamine enema and suppositories for mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis.