New Alzheimer's Drug Launched by Actavis

Actavis’s memantine hydrochloride extended-release and donepezil hydrochloride (Namzaric) treatment for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease is now available for patients and health care professionals across the United States.

The once-daily, fixed-dose combination drug received FDA approval in December 2014 for use in patients stabilized on the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine hydrochloride (Namenda XR) and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept).

“Since the launch of Namenda XR…in 2013, the 2 medications…have been commonly prescribed in combination with one another to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease,” explained Bill Meury, Actavis president of branded pharma, in a press release. “Namzaric offers an option with the benefits of both treatments, while reducing the number of pills a patient and their caregivers need to administer each day, to treat this disease.”

The drug is now available in dosage strengths of 28/10 mg and 14/10 mg, with the latter available for patients with severe renal impairment.

Actavis collaborated with Adamas Pharmaceuticals in developing Namzaric. Actavis will have exclusive US commercialization rights, while Adamas will retain exclusive commercialization rights outside of the United States.

“We are pleased that Namzaric is now available for patients who face the challenges associated with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease,” stated Adamas chairman and CEO Gregory T. Went, PhD. “…We believe Namzaric provides patients and their caregivers with a much-needed and more convenient treatment option.”