The analysis was based on data pooled from the ASCEND I and II studies, which included 349 patients dosed at 2.4 g/day. Results indicated that the median time to clinical remission was 26 days. A subgroup of patients with mild ulcerative colitis (UC) saw a median time to clinical remission even faster, in 14 days.
Time to clinical remission was defined as the first day of three consecutive days of resolution of both rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency.
P&G said that a recent survey, published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, found that 97% of patients surveyed reported that a highly effective treatment is very important when choosing a treatment for UC. “Speed of relief is a significant component of efficacy, and is a key treatment goal in active UC,” said Dr. Present, co-author of the study and clinical professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Asacol, introduced in 1992, is a delayed-release oral mesalamine tablet indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active UC and for the maintenance of remission of UC.