Dimethaid's Pennsaid launched in Canada

Canada's Dimethaid Research has made available in Canada Pennsaid (diclofenac), its topical, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for treating pain, stiffness and impaired physical function associated with osteoarthritis. This follows approval from Health Canada in March. The product is North America's first topical prescription antiarthritic, noted the company. Pennsaid is also registered in the UK and various other European countries. In addition, it is undergoing regulatory review in the USA (Marketletters passim).

The product utilizes the company's proprietary drug delivery technology to deliver the active ingredient through the skin, thereby reducing the potential side effects associated with oral NSAIDS, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney and liver disease.