The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted marketing authorization for Neoatricon, the first-ever pediatric-specific dopamine hydrochloride formulation developed for treating hypotension in newborns, infants, and children. This landmark approval, announced by BrePco Biopharma (BPCO) and Piramal Critical Care (PCC), addresses a significant unmet need in pediatric critical care.
Neoatricon is an age-appropriate, ready-to-use, sterile solution for infusion available in two concentrations: 1.5mg/mL in a 30mL vial designed for newborns (including those of extremely low gestational age), infants, and children under 10kg; and a higher strength 4.5mg/mL in a 50mL vial for patients weighing 10kg or above and adolescents.
Prior to this approval, no dopamine hydrochloride formulations were specifically indicated for pediatric use, forcing healthcare providers to rely on off-label use of adult formulations—a practice that carries inherent risks.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Pediatric Care
"The approval of this new pediatric formulation represents a much-needed opportunity to improve the outcomes for these vulnerable patients," said Paul Breen, Director of BPCO. "It ensures accurate dosing, reducing the risk of under or overdosing compared to diluting or adjusting adult formulations."
The ready-to-use nature of Neoatricon offers significant advantages in emergency settings, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU & PICU) where rapid intervention can be crucial. By eliminating the need for complex calculations and dilutions of adult formulations, the product minimizes preparation time and potential medication errors.
Commercial Distribution and Market Impact
Under the terms of their partnership, PCC has secured commercialization rights for Neoatricon in the European Union, United Kingdom, and Norway, and will handle distribution throughout these regions.
"We are thrilled to announce the approval of Neoatricon, the first and only authorized treatment for hypotension in neonates, infants, and children," said Peter DeYoung, CEO of Piramal Global Pharma. "This milestone marks an important step for Piramal Critical Care as we expand into a new therapeutic area. Our partnership with BrePco Biopharma has allowed us to bring forward an innovation that will significantly improve health outcomes for pediatric patients."
Clinical Significance and Safety Improvements
Hypotension management in pediatric patients, especially neonates, presents unique challenges due to their developing physiological systems and varying body weights. The precision dosing enabled by Neoatricon addresses these challenges directly.
The formulation's development responds to longstanding concerns from pediatric intensivists and neonatologists about the risks associated with manipulating adult medications for pediatric use. By providing a purpose-designed product, Neoatricon eliminates several steps in the medication preparation process where errors could potentially occur.
Healthcare providers will now have access to a standardized, regulatory-approved option that aligns with best practices in pediatric pharmacotherapy—where the principle "children are not small adults" underscores the need for specialized formulations rather than adapted adult medications.
The approval represents a significant advancement in pediatric critical care and demonstrates the value of developing age-appropriate formulations for this vulnerable patient population.
