GlaxoSmithKline and Flamel Technologies announced FDA approval of once-a-day Coreg CR (carvedilol phosphate) extended-release capsules for the treatment of high blood pressure; a heart attack that has reduced how well the heart pumps (known medically as post-myocardial infarction left ventricular dysfunction); and mild to severe heart failure.
COREG CR will utilize Flamel's proprietary Micropump technology, which controls the delivery of carvedilol helping to maintain appropriate amounts of medicine in the body over a 24-hour span. This technology allows COREG CR to be dosed once daily, in contrast to immediate-release COREG (carvedilol) tablets, which patients must take twice daily. GlaxoSmithKline plans to begin shipping COREG CR in the first quarter of 2007.