Zenpep Approved for Pancreatic Disorder

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Zenpep (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules to treat a pancreatic disorder that prevents people from properly digesting food, Dutch drug maker Eurand NV said.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is caused by a lack of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, a possible symptom of conditions including cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer.

Zenpep was approved in different strengths for adults and children as young as a year old, Eurand said in a news release. It's expected to be available at U.S. pharmacies later this year.

The most common adverse reactions reported during clinical testing of Zenpep included gastrointestinal problems, abdominal pain, headache, cough and loss of weight, the company said.