Editorial
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 21, 2009; 15(15): 1799-1804
Published online Apr 21, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.1799
Use of new once-daily 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: Is there anything new under the sun?
Peter Laszlo Lakatos
Peter Laszlo Lakatos, 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Koranyi st. 2/A, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary
Author contributions: Lakatos PL wrote this paper.
Correspondence to: Peter Laszlo Lakatos, MD, PhD, 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Koranyi st. 2/A, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary. kislakpet@bel1.sote.hu
Telephone: +36-1-2100278
Fax: +36-1-3130250
Received: February 3, 2009
Revised: February 19, 2009
Accepted: February 26, 2009
Published online: April 21, 2009
Abstract

5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents remain the mainstay treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC). A number of oral 5-ASA agents are commercially available, including azobond pro-drugs, as well as delayed- and controlled-release forms of mesalazine. However, poor adherence due to frequent daily dosing and a large number of tablets has been shown to be an important barrier to successful management of patients with UC. Recently, new, once-daily formulations of mesalazine, including the unique multi-matrix delivery system and mesalazine granules, were proven to be efficacious in inducing and maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate UC, with a good safety profile comparable to that of other oral mesalazine formulations. In addition, they offer the advantage of a low pill burden and might contribute to increased long-term compliance and treatment success in clinical practice. This editorial summarizes the available literature on the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of the new once-daily mesalazine formulations.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; 5-aminosalicylate; Mesalazine; Multi matrix system; Therapy; Once-daily; Compliance