Meda launches EDLUAR in the U.S.

Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Meda) today announced the commercial availability of EDLUAR(TM) (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablets) in the United States. EDLUAR is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with falling asleep. EDLUAR is the first available under-the-tongue formulation of zolpidem tartrate, which is the most prescribed treatment for insomnia. Zolpidem tartrate is also the active ingredient in Ambien(R) oral tablets.

"Insomnia is a serious and common medical problem that affects tens of millions of Americans," said Sharon S. Clarke, president and general manager of Meda. "With the introduction of EDLUAR sublingual tablets, patients with insomnia who have trouble falling asleep now have another treatment option. We are pleased to be the company that brings this innovative new formulation to these patients."

According to a "Sleep in America" poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, one in five people surveyed reported difficulty falling asleep at least a few nights a week.(1)

"Insomnia is a complex problem because patients can present with a variety of troubling symptoms," said Harry Sacks, M.D., vice president, medical affairs of Meda. "EDLUAR combines the efficacy and safety profile of zolpidem tartrate -- an agent used for 17 years -- with a new sublingual formulation that is convenient for patients with short-term insomnia whose primary complaint is the inability to fall asleep."