GENEVA, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Merck Serono, a division of Merck in Darmstadt, Germany, today announces that the company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Neurobion(R), one of the first Vitamin B combinations worldwide. On this occasion, the company and its affiliates worldwide will organize educational activities and information sessions for healthcare professionals to draw attention to the main symptoms and side effects of a lack of B vitamins.
Vitamin-B deficiencies may have various degrees of severity. They may be due to several conditions including among others a vegetarian diet or pathologies like diabetes or alcoholism [2,3,4,5]. Lack of these vitamins can remain undetected for many years. The diagnosis is often made accidentally from associated complications. Early detection aims at preventing the effects of the deficiency and its long-term complications.
The role of a B-vitamin combination for the treatment of the various clinical manifestations of the deficiency, including neuropathies, is supported by several research papers[6,7,8].
Neurobion(R) is indicated in vitamin deficiencies involving Vitamin B1, B6 or B12 depending upon the combination approved in each country. Some of the Neurobion(R) brands available in certain countries include diclofenac (Dolo-Neurobion(R)), dexamethasone (Dexa-Neurobion(R)) or gabapentin (Gavindol(R)) in addition to the Vitamin B combinations, and are also indicated for neuropathic pain. The company intends to seek registration in additional countries for such pain-related vitamin-B supplemental treatments.
Neurobion(R) is a complex of three essential neurotropic B vitamins that was first approved in Austria in 1962 and has been commercialized in various European and international markets with various dosages, compositions and indications. Today, it is marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide. In 2011, over 1.3 billions units of Merck Serono Vitamin B combinations were injected or swallowed worldwide[9].
"Vitamin B 1, 6 and 12 deficiencies and associated clinical manifestations can greatly affect patients quality of life, " said Belen Garijo, Head of Global Operations at Merck Serono. "Over 50 years we have continuously worked on developing the Neurobion(R) family with a variety of innovative formulations and line extensions that meet the individual needs of our patients, including those in emerging countries."
For example, Merck Serono has developed a dual chamber syringe that allows a better conservation and product resistance to extreme temperatures that can occur in some regions. The dual chamber syringe will be launched in the course of 2012 following the granting of the national marketing authorizations.
All products are not available in all countries and approved indications vary between countries. Please refer to the relevant nationally approved prescribing information.
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Merck Serono Celebrates the 50-Year Anniversary of Neurobion