BERWYN, Pa., Feb. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — EDW Pharma, a U.S.-based specialty pharmaceutical company and a subsidiary of Italfarmaco, a privately-held European specialty pharmaceutical company, committed to investing in and commercializing impactful medicines in therapeutic areas with unfulfilled needs, announced today that the Company has been selected for the 2018 Patient Impact Award by Life Sciences Pennsylvania (LSPA). LSPA’s annual Patient Impact Awards honor companies or organizations that have made significant contributions to the quality of healthcare or length of life of patients.

ITF is being recognized for the U.S. launch of TIGLUTIK™ (riluzole), the first and only easy-to-swallow thickened riluzole liquid for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Approximately 80 percent of people with ALS develop difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, because of gradual weakness and paralysis in the muscles of the face and throat. The availability of an FDA-approved oral suspension precludes the need for manipulation of tablets by patients or caregivers, easing administration and may provide an opportunity for more accurate dosing and enhanced patient compliance.

“We are honored to be a recipient of the 2018 Patient Impact Award for the development and launch of TIGLUTIK, an important therapeutic advance for those experiencing disease-related dysphagia in ALS,” said Peter Cook, chief operating officer of EDW Pharma. “We look forward to accepting this award alongside a tremendous representation of our life sciences colleagues here in Pennsylvania, and to continuing our unwavering support of the ALS community.”

LSPA will present ITF with the award during the organization’s annual dinner on March 13, 2019, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“The recent availability of an easy-to-swallow formulation of riluzole marked an important step forward for people living with ALS, caregivers, and medical professionals,” said Calaneet Balas, president and chief executive officer at The ALS Association. “ITF has been a committed partner to the ALS community and we look forward to continued collaboration on educational and support initiatives in 2019.”