MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - The Montreal Heart
Institute (MHI) announced earlier today the results of its
COLchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT). This landmark
study compared the effect of colchicine in the prevention of
ischemic cardiovascular events in patients with a recent myocardial
infarction (MI) receiving the standard of care. In this trial,
patients administered colchicine 0.5mg daily in addition to
standard of care experienced a lower rate of first and recurrent
ischemic cardiovascular events compared to patients receiving
standard of care alone. These data were simultaneously published in
the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and were
presented today at an American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific
Session.
Pharmascience Inc. is proud to have contributed to this
innovative clinical trial, whose results could have major positive
impacts on the cardiovascular outcomes of patients and public
health in general. Inflammation has been shown to play a major role
in cardiovascular disease and the COLCOT results represent a very
significant advancement in linking the reduction of post myocardial
infarction inflammation to improved cardiovascular outcomes.
An important aspect of the COLCOT trial is that it allows for
the repurposing of colchicine, a medicine that has been used for
decades in the treatment of gout or familial Mediterranean fever.
Repurposing older, established drugs involves finding additional
uses for drug products already approved.
"Pharmascience made the decision to support innovations in
medical care such as COLCOT, here in Canada. Our goal is to support therapeutic
innovation and improve patient outcomes with a new indication for
an old, trusted medicine that can be offered at an affordable
cost," said David Goodman, Ph.D.,
CEO of Pharmascience, "We believe these projects are a perfect fit
with our desire to contribute to therapeutic advancements through
responsible entrepreneurship."
The clinical use of colchicine is supported by a well-known
safety profile, and is available at a very affordable cost as
compared to some newer cardiovascular medicines used in similar
indications. Repurposed generic drugs provide attractive,
cost-effective options for public and private drug reimbursement
programs in their constant struggle with affordability challenges
when it comes to new drugs.
"Unfortunately, few pharmaceutical manufacturers venture down
this road because of inherent commercial barriers," added Dr.
Goodman, "There are no guarantees that the additional R&D
investments required by drug repurposing will be recovered, because
of the lack of intellectual property protection usually encountered
with generic medicines. Pharmascience is willing to take this risk
for the greater good. However, we will need the assistance of
regulators and drug program managers to implement approval and
reimbursement frameworks that do not discourage drug repurposing
and rather, reward innovation."
ABOUT PHARMASCIENCE INC.
Founded in 1983, Pharmascience Inc. is the largest
pharmaceutical employer in Quebec
with 1,500 employees proudly headquartered in Montreal. Pharmascience Inc. is a full-service
privately owned pharmaceutical company with strong roots in
Canada and a growing global reach
with product distribution in over 60 countries. Ranked 56th among
Canada's top 100 Research &
Development (R&D) investors with over $43 million invested in 2018, Pharmascience Inc.
is the 4th largest manufacturer of generic drugs in the
country.
Pharmascience Inc. has strong values based on the importance of
investing in its employees and young people. Through various
programs and initiatives, the company ensures it supports their
personal development and life. In 2019, Pharmascience Inc. has
proudly been recognized for its investments by being selected as
one of Canada's Top Employers for
Young People and named as one of Montreal's best employers, as part of the
Canada's Top 100 Employers
project. In 2018, the prestigious Forbes magazine ranked
Pharmascience Inc. among its list of top 300 employers.
Media Inquiries : Andrea
Frascione, Manager, Communications, Tel: 514-796-4067