Optimer Launches DIFICID Tablets for Treatment of Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea in Patients 18 Years of Age and Older

Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. OPTR today announced the commercial launch of DIFICID™ (fidaxomicin) tablets for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in patients 18 years of age and older. In two large Phase 3 clinical studies, DIFICID had clinical response rates at the end of the 10-day treatment period that were non-inferior to oral vancomycin. In addition, DIFICID was superior to vancomycin in sustained clinical response, defined as clinical response at the end of treatment and survival without proven or suspected CDAD recurrence through 25 days beyond the end of treatment. With the commercial availability of DIFICID, Optimer is initiating a Patient Assistance Program to help eligible uninsured and underinsured patients gain access to this important treatment option. DIFICID is the only FDA-approved treatment for CDAD that has demonstrated superiority to vancomycin in sustained clinical response and the first new drug approved for the treatment of CDAD in more than 25 years.