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Launch of innovative medical food provides a palatable new option for patients with PKU

An innovative medical food provides a palatable new option for people diagnosed with rare metabolic disorder in the UK.

EasyPKU Microtabs logo featuring bold colorful lettering in green, teal, orange, and purple on a white background

Craigavon, N.I., 17 Feb 2020 - An innovative medical food (food for special medical purposes) PKU easy bring with it a revolutionary new concept in PKU medical nutrition care - the introduction of a palatable, solid dose protein substitute in the form of microtabs. The ground breaking product has been specifically designed for the dietary management of Phenylketonuria (PKU) in patients aged 3 and over.

Approximately 70 babies each year are born with PKU in the UK or 1 affected in every 10,000 births. A lifelong management plan is prescribed that requires patients to follow an extremely restricted diet while taking a protein substitute. Historically, these protein substitutes have been liquid-based preparations which patients have found difficult to tolerate due to their unpleasant taste and smell, and we immediately looked at innovation to reduce the risk of non-compliance through improved patient experience.

PKU Easy Microtabs are small, slow-release, phenylalanine-free amino-acid tablets for the dietary management of PKU in patients aged 3+. Their coated, slow release technology means that when taken with water, the microtabs are virtually tasteless, making them a more palatable option for patients who have traditionally faced limited and often unpleasant tasting options.

PKU easy Microtabs were first launched by POA Pharma (our Scandinavian distributor) in 2019. Following a successful launch in the Nordics, the company has now expanded availability into the UK.

Dr Sarah Dolan, Galen Medical Nutrition’s Commercial Manager and representative in the UK and Ireland, said: "We are extremely proud of the completion of our paediatric trial and the positive reception of PKU Easy Microtabs in the UK. We are committed to providing high-quality, innovative products that improve the lives of patients with rare metabolic disorders."

About PKU Easy Microtabs

PKU easy Microtabs are small coated microtabs containing non-Phe essential amino acids for the dietary management of Phenylketonuria (PKU). Their coated, slow release technology means that when taken with water, the microtabs are virtually tasteless.

This food is intended to be used in conjunction with other dietary advice and should be used under medical supervision at all times.

About Galen

Established in 1968, Galen is a privately owned pharmaceutical sales and marketing company headquartered in Craigavon (Northern Ireland), with products in therapy areas including gastroenterology, urology, female health, pain management and mental health.

About Almac Group

Galen is a member of the Almac Group. The Almac Group is an established contract development and manufacturing organisation providing an extensive range of integrated services across, and beyond, the drug development lifecycle to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors globally.

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