Kelso Pharma announces first product launch

Kelso Pharma, the growing UK based specialty pharma business, has announced its first product launch with the release to the UK prescription medicines market of Acepiro^® (Acetylcysteine) 600mg effervescent tablets.

Acepiro (Acetylcysteine) is indicated in adults as a mucolytic agent for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases in which a reduction in bronchial secretion viscosity is required to facilitate expectoration. Acepiro 600 mg effervescent tablets are indicated in adults only and are being made available to hospital and community prescribers in 20 and 30 day packs, with the 30 day pack consistent with monthly prescribing. The NHS List Price for the 30 day pack is £4.40, with the 20 day pack priced at £3.65.

Acepiro is being launched by Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals (SAP), which was acquired by Kelso Pharma one year ago, providing a new UK platform and springboard for future sales growth for the business. The new product complements SAP’s existing portfolio of three medicines:

• CosmoCol® (macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes) powder for oral solution – an osmotic laxative indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation and faecal impaction.
• Stirlescent® (naproxen) 250mg effervescent tablets – containing naproxen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 
• theiCal-D3® 1000mg/880 IU chewable tablets – indicated for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D and calcium deficiency in the elderly. They are also indicated as a vitamin D and calcium supplement as an adjunct to specific osteoporosis treatment of patients who are at risk of vitamin D and calcium deficiency.

Kelso Pharma is focused on bringing innovative, value added, specialty medicines to the European healthcare markets, providing medicines that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical manner. The company is growing through a blend of company and product acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth in the UK and Europe.

Commenting on the launch of Acepiro, Kelso Pharma CEO, Dr. Tom Stratford, said:

“We’re excited to launch our first new brand through SAP. Acepiro fits closely with Kelso Pharma’s focus on innovative, branded medicines that provide proven benefit to patients while being affordable to the healthcare system. By providing specialty medicines such as Acepiro that are easier for people to take, we aim to improve patient compliance and enhance value to the healthcare system.

“It’s been a year of significant corporate activity for the Kelso Pharma team since the acquisition of SAP and we anticipate being in a position to announce further developments for the business shortly.”

Mark Inker, Managing Director UK at Kelso Pharma, added:

“The launch of Acepiro is a significant milestone for Kelso Pharma and for SAP as we pursue our vision to bring value added medicines to the NHS and healthcare systems across Europe. The SAP team is sharply focused on making Acepiro available to healthcare professionals and to patients who may benefit from its launch.”