Eurand Says FDA Approved Pancreatic Enzyme Zenpep

NEW YORK (AP) — Dutch drugmaker Eurand NV said Friday the Food and Drug Administration approved its product Zenpep, a replacement for an enzyme that is used in digestion.

Zenpep is intended to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the pancreas does not make enough digestive enzymes, so patients can't properly digest food and get nutrients. Eurand said the illness is caused by diseases including cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, or by some gastrointestinal surgeries.

Eurand said it will sell Zenpep capsules in four different doses. It said worldwide sales of pancreatic enzymes totaled $1.13 billion in 2008, according to IMS Health.

In premarket trading, Eurand shares surged $4.55, or nearly 34 percent, to $18. They closed Thursday at $13.45.