New Documentary, “Wrestling The Monster: Living With Hepatic Encephalopathy,” Premieres At American College Of Gastroenterology 2012 Scientific Meeting

Today Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) announced the premiere screening of “ Wrestling the Monster: Living with Hepatic Encephalopathy” at the 2012 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Scientific Meeting. The first documentary to focus on hepatic encephalopathy (HE), the film portrays the condition’s disruptive effect on four patients and their families.

“The release of this documentary is a landmark event for HE patients everywhere,” said Carolyn J. Logan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Salix Pharmaceuticals, which sponsored the project in partnership with the American Liver Foundation. “Raising awareness of the condition is more important now than ever before. The number of people with liver disease and cirrhosis continues to increase, and it is critical that we provide the right support for the patients and families living with these conditions. This documentary gives us a rare glimpse into their lives, allowing us to see the disease through the eyes of the patient.”

HE occurs when a damaged liver cannot filter toxins as a healthy liver normally would, allowing these toxins to reach the brain and cause symptoms such as altered personality and loss of cognition and motor skills. ¹

“Patients with cirrhosis and their caregivers should all be aware of the signs and symptoms of HE,” said Dr. Guy Neff, Chief of Hepatology for Tampa General Medical Group. “HE will not get better without treatment. However, once diagnosed, overt recurrences of HE can be managed and even prevented with the right medication.”

“Wrestling the Monster: Living with Hepatic Encephalopathy” will be shown at a special premiere screening during ACG, Sunday, October 21 at 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm at the TAO Bistro Las Vegas in the Venetian Hotel. Seats are available to ACG attendees and can be reserved by visiting www.HEsBack.com. Following the showing, a panel discussion will take place featuring Donna Cryer, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Liver Foundation.

Cryer will speak from the patient advocacy perspective about HE, liver disease, and the importance of awareness. She will be joined by Dr. Neff.

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