Friday 29 April 2005
Alister Brown, managing director of Merck Sharp & Dohme New Zealand (MSD NZ), made the following comments in response to today’s announcement by the Ministry of Health
that COX-2 inhibitors will remain available in New Zealand:
“At this time, Medsafe has issued new prescribing advice for selective Cox-2 inhibitor medicines, including ARCOXIA®
(etoricoxib).
“We welcome the decision by Medsafe that will allow ARCOXIA to remain as a prescribing option in New Zealand. We are
reviewing the actions of Medsafe and look forward to our discussions with the agency with respect to ARCOXIA.
“MSD NZ is continuing studies to further establish the long-term cardiovascular and overall safety profile of ARCOXIA.”
ENDS