MonoSol Rx Successfully Completes Pivotal Bioequivalence Studies for Ondansetron Thin Film NDA
December 02 2008 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Expects to File NDA with FDA in Early to Mid-2009 WARREN, N.J.,
Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- MonoSol Rx, the developers of PharmFilm(R)
technology and a drug delivery company specializing in dissolving
thin film pharmaceutical products, and Strativa Pharmaceuticals,
the proprietary products division of Par Pharmaceutical Companies,
Inc. (NYSE: PRX), today announced the successful completion of all
pivotal bioequivalence studies for a thin film formulation of
ondansetron. The ondansetron thin film product is being developed
for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting,
prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy, and
post-operative nausea and vomiting. Subject to final review of the
data and discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
it is anticipated that MonoSol Rx and Strativa could file a New
Drug Application (NDA) in early to mid 2009. In June 2008, MonoSol
Rx and Strativa entered into an exclusive licensing agreement under
which Strativa acquired the U.S. commercialization rights to the
thin film formulation of ondansetron from MonoSol Rx. Under terms
of the agreement, MonoSol Rx will receive milestone payments prior
to commercial launch and sales-based milestones that could total
$23.5 million as well as payments for the purchase of product
supply and royalties on net sales. The successful achievement of
all pivotal bioequivalence studies triggered a milestone payment to
MonoSol Rx. A. Mark Schobel, president and chief executive officer
of MonoSol Rx, stated, "Completion of the pivotal bioequivalence
trials is a significant milestone in the development and
commercialization process for our thin film ondansetron
formulation. Working with our licensing partner, Strativa
Pharmaceuticals, we were able to demonstrate that our PharmFilm(R)
formulation is bioequivalent to the FDA approved Zofran ODT(R)
product in all human clinical trials. Looking ahead, we are now
working diligently with Strativa to complete and file the NDA with
the FDA in early to mid-2009." Anti-emetic therapies constitute one
of the largest segments of the supportive care market in the U.S.,
with annual sales of over $1.8 billion in 2007 at a prescription
drug price. Ondansetron was a prescription leader in the category
in 2007, with 2.7 million scripts written. MonoSol Rx's thin film
formulation of ondansetron was studied against GlaxoSmithKline's
Zofran ODT(R) product. About MonoSol Rx MonoSol Rx is a specialty
pharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary PharmFilm(R)
technology to deliver drugs in quick dissolving films. PharmFilm(R)
is designed to benefit patients by improving the convenience,
efficacy, and compliance of currently marketed drugs. The Company
is a leader in thin film drug delivery and has a strong
intellectual property position, a portfolio of commercialized OTC
drug products, and a pipeline of prescription formulations
utilizing its PharmFilm(R) technology. With a vertically integrated
development and production infrastructure, MonoSol Rx has the
capacity to manufacture OTC drug products for near-term revenues
that enable the funding of prescription product development
programs that will generate long-term value. The Company's
commercialization strategy for all PharmFilm(R) products is to
partner with the innovator or other specialty pharma or leading
consumer products companies who have the core competency to sell-in
and manage the sales and marketing of the products. For the
Company's existing and future partners, PharmFilm(R) formulations
represent revenue-life cycle extensions for products with patent
lives that have expired or are approaching expiration. PharmFilm(R)
is also a tool to help sales and marketing partners differentiate
in competitive markets while offering unique advantages over drugs
dosed by traditional tablets, capsules and ODTs. About Strativa
Pharmaceuticals Strativa Pharmaceuticals is the proprietary
products division of Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. Strativa is committed
to developing and marketing novel prescription drugs. Its initial
focus is on supportive care therapeutics in HIV and oncology.
Drawing on the specialty products expertise of its staff, Strativa
possesses the resources to prepare products for commercialization
and to help ensure their success after launch. For additional
information, please visit http://www.strativapharma.com/ About Par
Pharmaceutical Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. develops, manufactures and
markets generic drugs and innovative branded pharmaceuticals for
specialty markets. For press release and other company information,
visit http://www.parpharm.com/ Contacts: MonoSol Rx: Keith Kendall
Chief Financial Officer (732) 564-5000 The Ruth Group (on behalf of
MonoSol Rx) Jason Rando (media) (646) 536-7025 Stephanie Carrington
/ Sara Ephraim (investors) (646) 536-7017/7002 DATASOURCE: MonoSol
Rx CONTACT: Keith Kendall, Chief Financial Officer, MonoSol Rx,
+1-732-564-5000; or The Ruth Group (on behalf of MonoSol Rx), Jason
Rando (media), +1-646-536-7025, , or investors, Stephanie
Carrington, 646) 536-7017, , or Sara Ephraim, +1-646-536-7002, Web
Site: http://www.parpharm.com/ http://www.strativapharma.com/
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