Napo Launches Mytesi for Diarrhea Treatment in HIV Patients

Napo has launched Mytesi, (crofelemer) for the treatment of diarrhea in patients with HIV. Previously branded under the name Fulzaq, this latest product launch includes the Mytesi Copay Savings Program and NapoCares Patient Assistance Program, which provides affordable access to the medication.

Mytesi is designed to provide symptomatic relief of noninfectious diarrhea, specifically in patients with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy. Unlike other diarrhea treatments that slow the movement through the GI tract, which can cause constipation, Mytesi works to normalize the flow of water in the GI tract.

In clinical studies, Mytesi was shown to have a more pronounced effect on patients with HIV who had longstanding infection or who tried other antidiarrheal medications. The most common adverse effects associated with Mytesi were upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, flatulence, and increased bilirubin.

“By launching Mytesi, not only are we making this important drug widely available, we are including two important patient assistance programs to ensure that patients can gain access to our drug, regardless of insurance or economic status,” said Lisa Conte, CEO and founder of Napo Pharmaceuticals, in a press release.

Under the Mytesi Copay Savings Program, individuals may receive copay assistance, which allows them to pay no more than $25.00 for a Mytesi prescription. The NapoCares Patient Assistance Program permits eligible patients without insurance to access Mytesi as well.