UNION CITY, Calif., Oct. 28, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:QCOR) today announced that it has identified Nephrotic Syndrome as a potential new therapeutic area for its principal product H.P. Acthar(r) Gel. Nephrotic Syndrome is characterized by excessive spilling of protein from the kidneys into the urine, known as proteinuria. Acthar is specifically indicated to induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the Nephrotic Syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythamatosus. If not adequately treated, patients suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome can often progress to end-stage renal disease. Current treatment options are effective in some patients, but frequently are only partially effective and can carry significant side-effects. Leading nephrologists indicate there is a significant need for additional therapies, particularly in patients who do not respond to current treatment approaches. Questcor has been in discussions with leading nephrologists and currently expects an exploratory proof-of-concept study with a major U.S. medical center to begin in the first quarter of 2009. While Nephrotic Syndrome is an approved indication for Acthar, at this time there is no modern published data regarding its use in this condition.
