The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has approved Ikaria Lucassin (terlipressin) for the treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (HRS 1) in patients who are actively being considered for a liver transplant.
The synthetic vasopressin analogue acts through the vasopressin V1 receptor as a systemic vasoconstrictor, primarily in the splanchnic (abdominal) circulation.
Thus effective arterial volume increases and renal blood flow improves, thereby improving renal function in HRS patients.
Ikaria chairman and CEO Daniel Tasse said, "We are delighted that the TGA has made Lucassin available to patients with HRS 1 in Australia."
HRS Type 1 is the development of kidney failure in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis in the absence of any other cause.
In March 2010, Ikaria purchased ownership of the Lucassin in North America and Australia from Orphan Therapeutics.
