SAINT-LAURENT, CANADA--(Marketwired - Feb 10, 2016) - IntelGenx Corp., (TSX VENTURE:IGX)(IGXT), today announced that it has submitted a patent application with the US patent office for an oral film dosage form containing Loxapine for the treatment of anxiety and aggression in patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder.
The product utilizes the company’s proprietary VersaFilm™ technology, allowing for an improved product to offer patients significant therapeutic benefits compared to existing medications. A fast acting loxapine oral film dosage form that can be used to effectively treat acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder in non-institutionalized patients while reducing the risk of pulmonary problems is needed as it could substantially reduce the potential risks of violence and injury to patients and others by preventing or reducing the duration and severity of an episode of acute agitation.
IntelGenx has demonstrated in a successful pilot study that buccal absorption of the drug from the loxapine oral film results in a significantly higher bioavailability of the drug compared to oral tablets. IntelGenx is currently optimizing the film to further improve time to reach peak plasma concentrations. According to Datamonitor, sales of schizophrenia drugs across the seven major markets (the US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) were estimated at $5.2 billion in 2012 and by 2021, the market is forecast to grow to $6.9 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3%.
“IntelGenx’ scientific team is continuously examining new and innovative treatments where our oral films can make a real impact in the lives of patients,” said Dr. Horst G. Zerbe, President and CEO of IntelGenx. “Loxapine is a perfect example how our oral films can target an acute and unmet need in the marketplace. We have taken another systematic step towards strengthening our patent portfolio supporting IntelGenx’ proprietary VersaFilm™ technology.”
Background on Loxapine:
Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania is not uncommon, and if left untreated can rapidly escalate into physically aggressive behavior that can be potentially dangerous to the agitated individual and others. In a clinical setting agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar mania are often effectively managed with behavioral and psychological techniques, with unexpected acute agitation typically being treated with parenterally administered sedatives such as benzodiazepines and/or antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine and ziprasidone.
On December 21, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a loxapine product formulated into an inhaled powder for direct administration to the lungs and is indicated for the treatment of acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder in adults. A statistically significant reduction in agitation occurs at 2 hours, and an improvement is achieved at 10 minutes after administration. The onset of a statistically significant reduction in agitation occurs at 5 minutes. However, to mitigate the risk of bronchospasm, inhaled loxapine powder must be administered only in an enrolled healthcare facility, and only to patients that have been pre-screened to ensure they are not susceptible to pulmonary issues.
Loxapine oral capsules have been available for the treatment of schizophrenia since about 1988, with the typical dosage being 30-50 mg twice daily. The loxapine capsules are unsuitable for treating acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder because onset of therapeutic relief occurs approximately 20-30 minutes after administration. Such delayed onset of relief would significantly increase the risk of injury to a person being treated and those administering treatment.
About IntelGenx:
IntelGenx is a leading drug delivery company focused on the development of innovative products based on its proprietary oral drug delivery technologies.
Established in 2003, the Montreal-based company, listed on the TSX-V and OTC-QX, develops innovative oral drug delivery solutions based on its proprietary platform technologies, VersaFilm™, VersaTab™ and AdVersa™.
IntelGenx has developed a broad and diverse product portfolio addressing unmet market needs and offering lifecycle management opportunities. FORFIVO XL™, launched in 2012, is the first and only FDA approved once-daily bupropion HCI 450mg dose in a single tablet for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
IntelGenx highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, clinical monitoring, IP protection, analytical method development and regulatory services. IntelGenx state-of-the art manufacturing facility, established for the VersaFilm™ technology platform, supports lab-scale to pilot and commercial-scale production, offering full service capabilities to our clients. More information is available about the company at: www.intelgenx.com.