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Abstract
Background: 5-Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents are the first-line therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). A high-dose, once-daily formulation of 5-ASA known as MMX mesalamine has recently been approved for the treatment of UC. Objective: To summarize current data on MMX mesalamine and to discuss its impact on management of UC. Methods: A systematic review of published literature was performed on PubMed using the search terms ‘MMX mesalamine’ and ‘Lialda®’. Abstracts presented at US gastroenterology conferences between 2006 and 2007, were also reviewed. Results: MMX mesalamine uses a novel multi-matrix delivery system to achieve a sustained release of 5-ASA throughout the colon. Clinical trials have demonstrated MMX mesalamine 2.4 g/day or 4.8 g/day to be superior to placebo in inducing remission in active mild to moderate UC. The drug is well tolerated with a safety profile comparable to other oral 5-ASA agents. With a high-dose formulation of 1.2 g 5-ASA per tablet, MMX mesalamine can be administered conveniently at two to four pills once a day. Conclusion: MMX mesalamine is the first and only approved once-daily 5-ASA treatment option for patients with UC. It is efficacious for the induction of remission in mild to moderate UC and has a favorable safety profile. With the advantage of low pill burden and easy dosing schedule, it may potentially improve patient compliance and treatment success.