Napo launches Mytesi for HIV patients

Napo Pharmaceuticals has launched Mytesi, the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the relief of diarrhea in patients who have HIV.

"Chronic, symptomatic diarrhea remains a significant, underreported consequence of HIV, whether due to the side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) or the direct effect of HIV on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This problem is only going to increase as the HIV+ population gets older; more than 40 percent of people currently living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are over the age of 50," Napo Founder and CEO Lisa Conte said.

"By launching Mytesi, not only are we making this important drug widely available, we are including two important patient assistance programs to ensure that patients can gain access to our drug, regardless of insurance or economic status," she said. "The launch of Mytesi also highlights Napo's dedication to both superior patient care and corporate responsibility."

Introduced as Fulyzaq, the medication is being relaunched under the Mytesi brand, Napo has unveiled the Mytesi Copay Savings Program and NapoCares Patient Assistance Program to be included in the launch. The program was designed to help make the product available and affordable for individuals who have HIV/AIDS.