Cardiology
Cardiovascular disease is a collective term for diseases that affect the circulatory system, such as arteriosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and chronic heart disease. Many risk factors affect the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including age, diet, exercise, genetics, smoking, and stress. Cardiovascular disease is most prevalent in Germany, Japan, and the US.
Two of Meda’s biggest products are in the cardiology therapy area: Tambocor (arrhythmia) and Minitran (angina pectoris). Other cardiovascular products sold by Meda include the antihypertensives Cibacen, Cibadrex, Zanidip, and Zanipress as well as Marcoumar (an anticoagulant) and Torem (a loop diuretic).
Key Products in Cardiology
Tambocor
Tambocor is a well–established antiarrhythmic drug for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is thought to affect 5–10% of the population over the age of 65. One registered use of Tambocor is for the prevention and treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (repeated attacks that subside spontaneously)—one of the most common forms of cardiac arrhythmia.
Tambocor sales are concentrated to the major European markets, where specialists prescribe it. About 80% of Meda’s sales are in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—countries in which Tambocor is the market leader in the anti-arrhythmic segment. Tambocor controlled release formulation, which releases the active ingredient over time, is available in several European markets.
Minitran
Angina pectoris is one of the most common heart diseases in the developed world and affects 5–20% of the population. Men are affected more often than women. The most common cause of angina is atherosclerosis of the cardiac arteries, which narrows the arteries and thus restricts blood flow to the heart when the heart works harder. Nitroglycerine eases symptoms by expanding the blood vessels, which normalizes blood flow.
Minitran is a time-release patch that administers nitroglycerine via the skin. The patch secretes nitroglycerine for at least 24 hours and is used prophylactically to prevent angina. About 90% of sales are in France, Italy, and Spain.
