Horizon Pharma and its Canadian affiliate Horizon Therapeutics Canada Limited have brought its antibiotic for chronic lung infection Quinsair to Canada.
Quinsair is used for chronic pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It thus became the first inhaled fluoroquinolone antibiotic to receive marketing authorization from Health Canada. Horizon became owner of Quinsair when it bought Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. in October 2016.
Jared Rhines, vice president and general manager, Canada, Horizon Pharma, noted that prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is high among people with cystic fibrosis and chronic management is often required after a patient is infected with these bacteria.
He said: “Horizon has a long-term commitment to people living with rare diseases, and we’re looking forward to working with healthcare professionals and patient organizations that address the needs of the Canadian cystic fibrosis community at risk for these insidious infections.”
CF is a rare, life-threatening genetic disease affecting approximately 75,000 people worldwide, and more than 4,100 people in Canada. It is the most common fatal genetic disease among Canadian young adults, and primarily affects the digestive system and lungs.
Norma Beauchamp, president and chief executive officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, pointed out the importance of having options for medicines for people with cystic fibrosis dealing withPseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
“Once established in the airways, this bacteria becomes very difficult to eliminate, often requiring aggressive treatment with multiple therapies. Quinsair provides an inhaled option and we’re pleased that it is now available in Canada,” Beauchamp has said.