US company introduces medicine to manage asthma

Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) a US pharmaceutical company and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has introduced Singulair®, a drug that treats asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and adults.

In a bid to drive access to its medicines globally, MSD launched its leukotriene receptor antagonist, Singulair® (MSD brand of Montelukast Sodium) in Accra on Thursday.

The medicine expands the options for clinicians to manage their patients with asthma who are not adequately controlled on available standard of care for the disease such as inhaled corticosteroids and/or long-acting beta-agonists.

Peterkin Yakanu, Sales Manager for West Africa said MSD Ghana is poised to make a difference in the lives of patients through innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care products.

He said MSD aspires to be the leading healthcare company in the world, dedicated to provide leading innovative solutions for tomorrow - hence the introduction of Singulair® in Ghana.

Dr Audrey Forson, Professor Bamenla Goka of Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, both leading Asthma Care physicians for adults and children and Dr Phillip Ikeme, Medical Affairs Manager MSD Sub-Saharan Africa spoke on the management of asthma, emphasising on the benefits of Singulair to achieve optimal control of asthma symptoms.

The event was attended by clinical experts from Accra, including leading pharmacists and nurses involved in asthma care.

MSD has been contributing to the wellbeing of Ghanaians through the provision of innovative medicines for the management of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and allergic rhinitis, as well as female contraception and cervical cancer prevention.