GENEVA, March 19 /PRNewswire/ --
- Cyanokit(R) is an Antidote for the Treatment of Known or Suspected
Cyanide Poisoning
Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany,
announced today that Cyanokit(R) (active substance: hydroxocobalamin) is
commercially available in Japan as of March 18, 2008, through its local
affiliate Merck Serono Co., Ltd. Cyanokit(R) was approved by the Japanese
Ministry of Health in November 2007, for the treatment of cyanide
intoxication caused by hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives in both adults
and the pediatric population. Cyanokit(R) will be mainly distributed to
hospitals and healthcare emergency services.
"The availability of Cyanokit(R) is a key milestone for
emergency healthcare professionals in Japan as they can now rely on an
effective product, with an excellent safety profile, to treat people who need
immediate, life-saving care," said Franck Latrille, Head of Merck Serono's
International Operations. "We believe that Cyanokit(R) will make a difference
on the survival and prevention of irreversible neurological injury of those
who have been poisoned, even heavily, by cyanide."
Cyanide poisoning is primarily caused by smoke inhalation
during closed-space structural fires. Additional causes may include
accidental or intentional ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure during
industrial accidents or a terrorist attack involving cyanide.
The unique mechanism of action of Cyanokit(R) is based on its
ability to tightly bind cyanide ions. It may be used in a hospital setting or
on-site at an emergency situation. Cyanokit(R) is to be administered in
conjunction with appropriate decontamination and supportive measures.
The most common side effects associated with Cyanokit(R) are
red coloration of the skin, mucous membranes and urine, all of which are
reversible.
Cyanokit(R) is also commercially available in the United
States of America and has recently been approved in the European Union.
About Cyanokit(R)
The active ingredient in Cyanokit(R), hydroxocobalamin, is a
precursor of vitamin B12. Hydroxocobalamin works by binding directly to the
cyanide ions, creating cyanocobalamin, a natural form of vitamin B12, a
stable, non-toxic compound that is excreted in the urine.
Advantages of this approach are that methemoglobin is not
produced and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the victim's blood is not
lowered. Therefore, Cyanokit(R) is suitable for use in smoke inhalation
victims. The most common adverse reactions seen in clinical trials of
hydroxocobalamin with human subjects are transient and include: reddish
discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and urine, rash, increased blood
pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased white blood cell
count and injection site reactions. Allergic reactions have been observed.
Usage may interfere with some clinical laboratory evaluations.
The initial dose of Cyanokit(R) for adults is 5 g,
administered by intravenous infusion. Depending upon the severity of the
poisoning and the clinical response, a second dose of 5 g may be administered
up to a total dose of 10 g. In pediatric patients, the initial dose of
Cyanokit(R) is 70 mg/kg body weight not exceeding 5 g and the subsequent dose
is 70 mg/kg body weight not exceeding 5 g.
About Merck Serono Co., Ltd
Merck Serono Co., Ltd. is the Japanese arm of Merck Serono
(Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland) which was established in January 2007 as
Merck's division specializing in prescription medicine following the
acquisition of Serono S.A. by Merck. Merck Serono launched operations in
Japan on October 1, 2007 with a focus on two areas of therapeutic strength,
oncology and fertility.
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription
pharmaceuticals of Merck, a global pharmaceutical and chemical group.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops,
manufactures and markets innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals to
help patients with unmet medical needs. Its North American business operates
in the United States and Canada as EMD Serono.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer
(Erbitux(R)), multiple sclerosis (Rebif(R)), infertility (Gonal-f(R)),
endocrine and cardiometabolic disorders (Glucophage(R), Concor(R), Saizen(R),
Serostim(R)), as well as psoriasis (Raptiva(R)).
With an annual R&D investment of around EUR 1bn, Merck Serono
is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas
including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology,
as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in
autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with
total revenues of EUR 7.1 billion in 2007, a history that began in 1668, and
a future shaped by 30,968 employees in 60 countries. Its success is
characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's
operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the
Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own
the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was
expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
For more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.net
or http://www.merck.de
Merck Serono International SA
