Drug for hypertension in children launched

DENVER — Silvergate Pharmaceuticals has launched a new drug for treating high blood pressure in children, the company said Monday.

The drug maker announced the availability of Epaned (enalapril maleate) powder for oral suspension, for treating hypertension in patients older than 1 month. Enalapril is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the United States for high blood pressure. Epaned was approved in August 2013 as a flavored liquid solution to appeal to children and others who have difficulty swallowing enalapril tablets.

"We're pleased to launch Epaned so quickly after receiving FDA approval," Silvergate president and CEO Frank Segrave said. "Silvergate is happy to take the lead in developing FDA-approved medicines for children, an area of drug development that is often overlooked."