K-V subsidiary relaunches bacterial vaginosis drug

ST. LOUIS — A new treatment for bacterial infections of the vagina is now available, the drug's manufacturer said Monday.

K-V Pharmaceutical Co. subsidiary Ther-Rx Corp. announced the availability of Clindesse (clindamycin phosphate), saying wholesalers have ordered and received it and are distributing it to retail pharmacies. The drug is used to treat bacterial vaginosis in women who are not pregnant. BV results from an overgrowth of several bacterial species and is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

"We are pleased to be able to once again offer Clindesse," K-V CEO Greg Divis said. "Together with Gyanzole-1's reintroduction in January, the availability of Clindesse represents a key positive milestone for the company as the two products comprising our anti-infectives franchise are both available for prescribing."

Clindesse was removed from the market in 2009 following action by the Food and Drug Administration barring K-V from selling or distributing drugs due to manufacturing issues and the marketing of products that had not received FDA approval. The drug was originally approved in 2004.