Teva GTC

The open label extension study (Protocol C2/13/DR-6MP-02 EXT) is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 80 mg DR-6MP test formulation for an additional 12 weeks in subjects who already completed 12 weeks of Protocol C2/13/DR-6MP-02. Crohn's disease (CD) therapy is aimed at reducing inflammation via induction of remission after a flare-up and maintenance of the remission for as long as possible. The questions being asked in this extension study are:
For subjects who received 80 mg DR-6MP for 12 weeks: Can the clinical efficacy and safety status achieved following 12 weeks of treatment be maintained or improved following an additional 12 weeks of DR-6MP treatment?
For subjects who received oral Purinethol (1-1.5 mg/kg daily) for 12 weeks: Can the clinical efficacy and safety at 12 weeks be maintained or improved following the introduction of 12 weeks of 80 mg DR-6MP treatment?

The study is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of daily treatment for 12 weeks of oral administration of a delayed release, locally delivered 6MP (mercaptopurine) drug (80 mg), as compared to standard Purinethol (at a dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg/body weight), in alleviating the clinical, immunological and mucosal signs and symptoms of moderately active Crohn's Disease

The study is being conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax and AUC) of the new delayed release, lowered dose, 40 mg 6MP test formulation as compared to standard 6MP (100 mg Purinethol) in 12 patients with Crohn's Disease.
The study is being undertaken to prove that the new test formulation is indeed delayed-release and targeted to the ileum, and that the levels of 6MP in the blood following local absorption are lower than that seen following standard Purinethol dosing. This should result in lower, safer mercaptopurine dosing, allowing for uninterrupted treatment with fewer side effects.