Intellipharmaceutics Announces Significant Advance in Its Abuse-Deterrent Oxycodone Program
TORONTO, May 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (Nasdaq:IPCI) (TSX:I) today announced that it has achieved a significant advance in its program to develop and manufacture drugs incorporating abuse-deterrent characteristics. The Company advises that it has taken delivery of and fully qualified its primary manufacturing equipment for the manufacture of an abuse-deterrent formulation of controlled-release oxycodone hydrochloride, and that the manufacture of clinical batches using that equipment has commenced. The successful manufacture of clinical batches is required to make the drug eligible for Phase I studies, and to establish a clinical program in cooperation with the FDA in order to facilitate advancement of the drug through the application process.
The drug delivery platform, branded RexistaTM, produces a unique dosage form designed to be deterrent to the well-documented abuses associated with currently marketed oxycodone products, such as the abuse of these drugs by nasal inhalation when crushed or powdered, and by injection when combined with solvents. RexistaTM products are also designed to deter release of the entire dose when consumed with alcohol, a significant problem with some opioid drugs. In 2008, controlled-release oxycodone drugs had U.S. sales of approximately $2 billion.
Dr. Isa Odidi, CEO of Intellipharmaceutics, stated that "the qualification of this equipment is a significant step in our Rexista program. It involved the very difficult design and modification of certain aspects of the equipment to accommodate the novel and proprietary dosage form which we have developed for our Rexista drug program, namely a paste in a capsule. We have now commenced the manufacture of clinical batches of our oxycodone CR product using this novel delivery platform. The overall success we are having, including with Rexista and our two filed ANDAs for generics of Focalin XR and Effexor XR, is reflective of the capabilities and versatility of our proprietary technology platforms and our scientific and regulatory teams."
The Company has provided the following updates to the status of those ANDA programs.
Generic Focalin XR®
The Company has announced that it and its licensee and development partner Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. ("Par") received confirmation that the previously announced stays of the patent litigation concerning a generic version of Novartis' Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder drug, Focalin XR® (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride), expired without regulatory intervention, and that the parties have stipulated to a dismissal of the litigation.
The parties, Intellipharmaceutics, Par, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novartis Pharma AG, Celgene Corporation, Elan Corporation, PLC and Elan Pharma International Ltd., have also entered into license agreements in conjunction with the settlements of the litigation concerning the Company's generic drug application in the FDA for 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg. strengths of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride.
Intellipharmaceutics' management presently expects that marketing of generic versions of the products will commence no sooner than the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company has a ten year profit-sharing agreement with Par for the sale of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride XR capsules in the U.S., which commences with the commercial launch of the product by Par. Details of the license agreements remain confidential.
In 2008, Focalin®, including Focalin XR®, had U.S. sales of approximately U.S. $350 million. Intellipharmaceutics' application for approval of a generic version of Focalin XR® remains subject to FDA approval. No assurance can be given as to whether or when the FDA will approve the Company's generic version of Focalin XR®.
Generic Effexor XR®
The FDA has accepted the filing of the Company's ANDA for a generic version of the antidepressant Effexor XR® (venlafaxine hydrochloride). The Company's application will now proceed to full review by the FDA. No assurance can be given as to whether or when the FDA will approve the Company's generic version of Effexor XR®.
Intellipharmaceutics is actively seeking a commercialization and distribution partner for this product in the United States. Total combined sales in the United States in 2009 for Effexor® and Effexor XR® branded products were approximately $3 billion.
About Intellipharmaceutics
Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and manufacture of controlled and targeted novel oral solid drugs. The Company's patented HypermatrixTM technology is a unique and validated multidimensional controlled-release drug delivery platform that can be applied to the efficient development of a wide range of existing and new pharmaceuticals. Based on this technology, Intellipharmaceutics has a pipeline of products in various stages of development in therapeutic areas that include neurology, cardiovascular, GIT, pain and infection.
The Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6957
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