ViroPharma Incorporated (VPHM)

[surf1944]

7:34AM ViroPharma data demonstrating efficacy of Plenadren in adrenal insufficiency published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (VPHM) 31.55 : Co announced that data from the pivotal study for their orphan drug Plenadren (hydrocortisone, modified release tablet) were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Plenadren was recently granted European Marketing Authorization for treatment of adrenal insufficiency in adults. The authors described results showing that the once daily dual-release tablet provided a more circadian-based serum cortisol profile, and that reduced body weight, reduced blood pressure, and improved glucose metabolism were observed during once daily treatment, compared to treatment with immediate release hydrocortisone three times per day. In particular, the authors noted glucose metabolism improved in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus. In addition, the preference of once daily versus three times per day treatment was assessed to be large or very large by 85 percent of patients at 12 weeks. Plenadren is not approved in the United State