FDA approves Apriso for treatment of ulcerative colitis

RALEIGH, N.C. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug for treating ulcerative colitis in adults, the drug’s manufacturer announced Monday.

Salix Pharmaceuticals said Apriso was the only product with mesalamine as its active ingredient with FDA approval as a once-daily treatment for maintaining remission of UC. The drug will be available in 0.375-gram doses in extended-release capsules.

“Apriso is an important new once-daily treatment option that encourages compliance in ulcerative colitis patients and provides effective, long-term protection from ulcerative colitis flare-ups,” Salix chief development officer and vice president for research and development Bill Forbes said in a statement.