Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc. sales and marketing update

Salix said that in May it launched the Hepatic Encephalopathy Living Program (H.E.L.P.) to coincide with the launch of Xifaxan rifaximin 550 mg tablets in the U.S. Salix launched the formulation of the non-absorbed broad-spectrum antibiotic to reduce the risk of overt HE recurrence in patients ages 18 and older, for which it has Orphan Drug status in the U.S. The program, a patient and healthcare provider support program for the management of hepatic encephalopathy, will provide educational materials, co-pay assistance, treatment adherence support and a 24-hour toll-free hotline to patients (see BioCentury, May 31). ...