DEMADEX APPROVED IN USA

Boehringer Mannheim's diuretic Demadex (torsemide) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic disease and renal disease.

Demadex, formerly tradenamed Presaril, is the first New Drug Application approval for Boehringer in the USA. The launch of the drug is awaiting FDA clearance of promotional materials and inventory build-up, noted the company.

Torsemide is the fourth loop diuretic to come onto the market. The previous three, Merck & Co's Edecrin (ethacrynic acid), Hoechst's Lasix (furosemide) and Roche's Bumex (bumetanide), are all off-patent.