In response to practitioners’ search for corticosteroids with fewer adverse effects on patients and a vitamin D supplement with better bioavailability in the bloodstream, Faes Farma, a leading Spanish international pharmaceutical company, has launched two new products: Deflazacort, an oral corticosteroid, and Hidroferol, a fast-acting vitamin D supplement.
The unveiling of the innovative products, which brought together leading healthcare professionals from teaching hospitals, specialist centres, public hospitals, and private practices across Nigeria for a robust discussion on new developments in patient care, was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend.
Corticosteroids, also called glucocorticoids or steroids, are prescription medications that reduce inflammation in the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they are synthetic drugs similar to the cortisol hormone. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body in a way that healthcare providers can adjust to suit individual patient needs.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) includes corticosteroids in its Model List of Essential Medicines for a wide range of endocrine and non-endocrine conditions, owing to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Speaking on the topic, “Emerging Uses of Deflazacort: Introducing Defal Drops,” the keynote speaker, Dr L. O. Ogunjimi, Consultant Neurologist at OOUTH and Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, highlighted the crucial role of the new molecule in the management of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and even paediatric nephrotic syndrome. He disclosed that his patients have reported fewer adverse reactions and improved outcomes from the use of the drug over the last seven months.
“Deflazacort is used in the treatment of many conditions across different specialities, ranging from autoimmune diseases to inflammatory conditions, various allergic disorders, and even paediatric nephrotic syndrome. It has been found to be very effective in these conditions. For us in the field of neurology, it has helped suppress some inflammatory conditions associated with neurological diseases, and the response has been quite encouraging. Most importantly, the side effects are fewer and milder compared to other existing agents,” Dr. Ogunjimi asserted.
The consultant neurologist traced the use of corticosteroids over the years but identified major challenges associated with the drugs, including metabolic issues, spikes in blood glucose levels, osteoporosis from long-term use, and weight gain, among others. However, he observed that these reactions appear to be less common with Deflazacort. “It seems to have fewer adverse effects, such as less elevation in blood sugar, reduced calcium depletion, less osteoporosis, and several other benefits.”
Dr Ogunjimi further remarked, based on his experience with patients, that Deflazacort has a better safety profile than other steroids, with fewer adverse effects. “From experience, patients have provided positive feedback. We are not saying it does not have its own side effects, but the side effects are fewer compared to the existing agents.”
He nonetheless cautioned all prescribers against dispensing steroids without a prescription. He advised that dosage and duration of use should follow medical recommendations, as non-compliance could expose patients to adverse reactions beyond manageable levels.
Also speaking on the topic, “Defal (Deflazacort): A Modern Corticosteroid for Multispecialty Clinical Use,” Dr Viola Adaeze Ikebudu, Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, emphasised the importance of the newly launched drug across multiple specialities, including rheumatology, dermatology, respiratory medicine, and orthopaedics.
According to her, “Deflazacort has the same anti-inflammatory potency as traditional corticosteroids, but it offers a better metabolic safety profile. It is important to note that 6 mg of Defal is equivalent to 5 mg of Prednisolone. It causes fewer side effects, including less weight gain, reduced fluid retention, lower impact on blood sugar, and less bone loss.
“So, especially for paediatric patients, elderly patients, and those with comorbidities, it is very important. Patients appreciate it greatly; we simply need to make it available to them, and they can achieve very good outcomes.”
In his presentation titled “Role of Vitamin D in the Management of Rickets and Osteomalacia: Introducing Hidroferol as the Solution,” Dr Okanu Francis Onyebuchi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at LASUTH, described Hidroferol as a once-monthly vitamin D medication that offers advantages over conventional vitamin D preparations because it contains calcifediol, a form of vitamin D that has already undergone liver metabolism. This makes it more readily available in the bloodstream and potentially more effective.
Like all medications, however, it can cause side effects, with the major concern being vitamin D toxicity. Patients receiving Hidroferol should have their vitamin D levels monitored regularly, monthly or every three months—to ensure levels do not exceed toxic thresholds, which can lead to hypercalcaemia (excess calcium in the blood). Severe hypercalcaemia can cause serious complications, including cardiac problems.
Regarding dosing, he explained that the currently available Hidroferol formulation is intended for adults only, with one capsule a month, which is equivalent to 0.266mg of calcifediol. A paediatric formulation has not yet been introduced into the market; therefore, its use in children remains limited.
While Hidroferol may help address vitamin D deficiency-related conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia, data on the prevalence of these disorders in Nigeria were not immediately available. Nevertheless, he noted that such conditions are commonly encountered in orthopaedic clinics and are linked to nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, and genetic influences.
On the main causes of rickets and osteomalacia, he highlighted inadequate intake of vitamin D- and calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, fish, meat, and certain oils, often due to economic constraints. Reduced exposure to sunlight is another significant factor, he noted, as many children spend more time indoors than in the past.
To prevent these conditions, he urged parents to allow children regular outdoor play, particularly with exposure to morning sunlight, and to provide diets rich in calcium and vitamin D. Foods such as milk, fish, meat, and cod liver oil can help support healthy bone development and reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Speaking at the event with Pharm. Johnbull Ogbonna, country director, Faes Farma, introduced the company as a multinational pharmaceutical with a subsidiary in Nigeria, focusing primarily on their new steroid alternative, Deflazacort. Now available in 6 mg and 30 mg tablets, as well as a new, easily administered pediatric drop formulation (1 mg per drop), he corroborated experts’ review on Deflazacort, which offers a significant clinical advantage over traditional steroids due to its greatly reduced side effects, specifically minimising water retention and weight gain. While the tablets have already seen strong market success and high demand in northern Nigerian cities like Jos and Kano, he said Faes Farma is expanding its marketing workforce to drive awareness and launch the product across Lagos, the East, and other regions to benefit health practitioners and patients alike.
Additionally, he introduced Hidroferol as a unique vitamin D supplement packed in a five-tablet blister where a single dose provides a full month of efficacy. This formulation is positioned as an essential supplement for modern professionals who spend significant time indoors under air conditioning, depriving them of natural sunlight.
