Ferrer introduces citicoline oral solution medical food

CerAxon Oral Solution is the first and only oral solution medical food for the dietary management of brain ischemia in patients with dysphagia

Ferrer Therapeutics, the U.S. subsidiary of the international pharmaceutical group, Ferrer Grupo, is introducing CerAxon- Oral Solution to the U.S. market, the first and only oral solution medical food containing citicoline, a nutrient naturally produced by the body and found in the brain. Taken for the dietary management of brain ischemia due to stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), CerAxon- Oral Solution provides patients who have difficulty swallowing with elevated citicoline required to help stabilize the brain, specifically during the first six weeks following injury, and help rebuild damaged cell walls.

Dr. David Chiu, Associate Professor at Cornell University and Director of Stroke Neurology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX, explains that, "The first six weeks after injury are when the brain's partially damaged cells need assistance to begin the recovery and reprogramming process."

Citicoline is found in every cell in the body and is essential for building a healthy and intact membrane around nerve cells, which helps to shield nerve cells from damage and prevent injured cells from dying. After injury from a stroke or TBI, the brain's demand for citicoline may increase as it tries to save damaged cells . "Just a 10% loss of citicoline in the body is sufficient enough to alter brain cell membrane function and induce neuron cell death" Dr. Chiu adds.

Dysphagia, or impaired swallowing, occurs in up to 65% of stroke patients and a high percentage of those with brain injury. "CerAxon Oral Solution meets the unique nutrient needs of my patients with dysphagia who cannot ingest enough citicoline by simply modifying their diet," says Dr. Chiu. "I've used the oral product in nasogastric and gastric tubes and it can easily be added to liquids or soft foods."

Citicoline is one of the most intensely investigated naturally occurring chemicals found in the human brain. Substantial published medical research conducted on citicoline has helped to reveal its key role in maintaining neuronal health and supporting central nervous system repair following injury. Studies show citicoline has a tolerability profile similar to placebo, with no significant systemic cholinergic effects, and no serious side effects.

Citicoline taken orally is safe and acts the same as the citicoline that is produced by the body: The oral solution is effectively absorbed into the body and readily absorbed. Once in the brain, it increases brain citicoline levels, thereby functioning as citicoline produced naturally by the body.

Clinical research on citicoline with over one thousand stroke and TBI patients demonstrates significant improvements in activities of daily living with significant (29%) increase of probability of recovering activities of daily living and significant (42%) increase of probability of recovering functional capacity.

Dr. Pe-alba, Physiatrist, Board Certified Physical Rehabilitation Specialist and Founder of Pe-alba Physical Rehabilitation in Miami, Florida, has been using CerAxon with her stroke rehabilitation patients and explains that, "CerAxon Oral Solution helps rebuild membrane walls damaged by stroke or brain injury and can limit neuronal damage from a stroke by stimulating nerve impulse transmitters, such as acetylcholine (memory and learning) and dopamine (movement and attention). It helps to improve stroke and brain injury recovery and return the body to normal daily movement activities, such as eating, bathing and walking, as well as improving temporal and spatial orientation, learning, memory and ability to focus."

Dr. Penalba adds, "CerAxon Oral Solution is specifically formulated for patients with partially impaired swallowing. It offers patients and their caregivers the hope and the courage to continue their efforts toward recovery, which is a difficult process."

No serious adverse reactions for individuals taking CerAxon Oral Solution have been reported. CerAxon Oral Solution should be taken for the first six weeks after injury.