The Salagen for Sjogren's syndrome promotion has begun.
03/19 09:01 April is National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
FDA Approves First Pharmaceutical to Alleviate Debilitating Dry Mouth Symptoms
Associated With Sjogren's Syndrome
WHAT: The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF) announced that April is Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month. Sjogren's (SHOW-grens) syndrome affects as many as one million people in the United States, with women accounting for more than 90 percent of the diagnosed cases. The SSF is a patient advocacy group located in Jericho, N.Y.
WHY: This chronic autoimmune disease has debilitating effects, including painful dry mouth and dental cavities; dry, gritty eyes and blurry vision; swollen salivary glands; and paralyzing joint inflammation. Because many doctors are unfamiliar with the disease, most sufferers go undiagnosed and untreated for an average of six years. Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month campaign aims to raise public and professional awareness of the many manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome and the importance of early diagnosis.
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first prescription pharmaceutical, Salagen Tablets (pilocarpine HCI), to potentially help patients who suffer from dry mouth symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Developed and manufactured by Minnesota-based MGI PHARMA, INC. (Nasdaq: MOGN), Salagen Tablets alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth by stimulating the salivary glands.
WHO: The following spokespersons are available to assist with Sjogren's syndrome stories:
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation:
Alexis Stegeman, SSF Executive Director, Jericho, N.Y., 516-933-6365. Ms. Stegeman can provide contact names for the SSF chapters across the nation.
Sjogren's Syndrome, Research and Treatment Options:
Frederick B. Vivino, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, 215-955-8430
Ann Parke, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Dept. of Rheumatology, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Conn., 860-679-2161
Athena Papas, M.D., Division of Geriatric Dentistry, Tufts University Dental School, Boston, 617-636-6790
Zafrulla Kahn, D.D.S., M.S., J. Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, Ky., 502-852-5045
Salagen Tablets:
Dr. Charles Muscoplat, Vice President, Medical Affairs, MGI PHARMA, Inc., Minneapolis, 612-935-7335
Video News
Release: A video news release featuring Dr. Ann Parke with a patient and Dr. Evelyn Bromet, SSF vice president, and b-roll footage will be distributed via satellite (coordinates: Galaxy 4, Transponder 12) on Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1. To request additional information or a tape, contact Jeff Wurtz, 800-840-6397.
CONTACT: For an information kit or to arrange an interview with a doctor or patient, contact Nancy Johnson or Matt Duffy of Padilla Speer Beardsley, 612-871-8877, for MGI PHARMA or Lori Weiman of MGI PHARMA, 612-939-4666. SOURCE MGI Pharma, Inc.
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/PRNewswire -- March 19/
(MOGN)
CO: MGI Pharma, Inc. ST: Minnesota IN: MTC SU: PDT
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David |
