News Releases

Mochida to Launch EPA Products Epadel S600 and Epadel S300 in New Stick-Type Package Starting February 1st

(Tokyo, January 31, 2005) - Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (President: Naoyuki Mochida) will launch its Epadel S600 (600 mg/pack) and Epadel S300 (300 mg/pack) in distinctive new stick sachet packs on February 1st. This new packaging was developed for use with Mochida's EPA preparation Epadel, a core product and therapeutic agent for the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipidemia.

Following the initial launch of Epadel as an oval capsule in 1990, some patients had expressed a desire for a more convenient formulation, capsule size in particular, which led to the release of smaller granular capsules (4 mm in diameter) in 1999. Moreover, an EPA preparation with a higher dose, Epadel S900 (900 mg/pack) was launched last year in a specially-designed stick-type package slimmer than existing ones, and was praised by patients for its easy administration and reduced tendency to spill. Thus, the Epadel S600 (600 mg/pack) and Epadel S300 (300 mg/pack) are now also available in stick sachet packs. According to doctors and pharmacists, this improved formulation has noticeably improved patients' compliance.

This innovative stick-type package is clearly different from existing lines. The package design has clear indication of its perforated tab with cut direction showing on both the front and back, as well as easy-to-read lettering and different colored bags by dose (300, 600, and 900 mg) for easy recognition. Several more innovations were developed with the patients' convenience in mind, such as rounded corners to eliminate finger cuts when opening, as well as a textured perforated tab that can be detected by touch alone.

Mochida will continue efforts to make prompt innovations and improvements in response to clinical applications in favor of patient-centered medicine.

With the cooperation of Nippon Suisan, Epadel was launched in 1990 with approval for indications of arteriosclerosis obliterans, marking the appearance of the world's first high-purity ethyl icosapentate preparation. In 1994, the drug was further approved for indications of hyperlipidemia, earning acclaim as the only EPA product approved by clinicians for its effect on hyperlipidemia.


Innovative Features of the New Stick-type Package

  1. Slim-design stick sachet packs to dispense round capsules with far less spillage
  2. Clear indication of perforated tab and cut direction on both the front and back
  3. Rounded corners to eliminate finger cuts when opening
  4. A textured perforated tab to allow recognition by touch alone
  5. Differently-colored bags by dose (300, 600, and 900 mg) for easy recognition
  6. Easy-to-read lettering of doses on stick bags to prevent patients from taking the wrong dose