MOVICOL® HD Launched in Japan as a New High-Dose Polyethylene Glycol Formulation for Chronic Constipation Treatment

Tokyo, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EA Pharma Co., Ltd. (President: Hidenori Yabune, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, "EA Pharma"), EA Pharma's parent company Eisai Co., Ltd. (CEO: Haruo Naito, Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, "Eisai"), and Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (President: Naoyuki Mochida, Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, "Mochida") announced the successful launch of the chronic constipation treatment drug "MOVICOL® HD" by EA Pharma and Mochida.

MOVICOL® HD is a high-dose formulation of the existing "MOVICOL® LD," with polyethylene glycol used for treating chronic constipation. MOVICOL® HD contains the same active ingredients as MOVICOL® LD, with each sachet of MOVICOL® HD containing twice the amount of MOVICOL® LD. For patients who previously used one dose/pack of MOVICOL® LD, MOVICOL® HD can save the time and effort of opening multiple small packs, increase convenience, reduce economic burden, and minimize packaging waste.

MOVICOL® LD and MOVICOL® HD (collectively referred to as "MOVICOL®") are suitable for children aged 2 years and above as well as adult patients. MOVICOL® is a powdered medication that is dissolved in water before administration, with the dosage appropriately increased or decreased to achieve the desired stool consistency. MOVICOL® works by utilizing the osmotic effect of its main component, macrogol 4000, to increase water retention in the intestines, enhance stool moisture, soften the stool, increase stool volume, and physiologically stimulate colonic peristalsis to promote bowel movements.

Outside of Japan, MOVICOL® is primarily marketed in Europe by Norgine B.V. (headquartered in the Netherlands, "Norgine") under the brand name MOVICOL and is used by many patients with chronic constipation. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s "Committee for the Review of Drugs with High Medical Needs and Unapproved/Off-label Drugs" has classified polyethylene glycol formulations for the treatment of chronic constipation as addressing a "highly unmet medical need." Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (now EA Pharma) developed MOVICOL® for oral treatment of chronic constipation in pediatric and adult patients in Japan in collaboration with Mochida, based on a license granted by Norgine to Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (now EA Pharma).

EA Pharma and Mochida Begin Distribution of MOVICOL® HD in Japan Under the Same Brand Name Today. EA Pharma and Eisai Co., Ltd. jointly provide information on the proper use of MOVICOL® HD under a co-promotion agreement.

The prevalence of constipation is high among young women and elderly men/women. In pediatric patients, the symptoms of constipation can become particularly severe. Symptoms of constipation include reduced bowel movements, difficulty in passing stool, and hard stools. When these symptoms become chronic, the quality of life (QOL) for many patients declines. Including new formulations such as MOVICOL® HD and "GOOFICE® 5 mg Tablet" (a bile acid transporter inhibitor for treating chronic constipation), as well as MOVICOL® LD, EA Pharma, Eisai, and Mochida are working to expand treatment options for patients with chronic constipation and multiple medical histories, further addressing the needs of patients, their families, and healthcare providers while enhancing their well-being.