Flamel Technologies FLML
today announced that its First-in-Man (FIM) clinical study in healthy
volunteers using its proprietary Micropump(R) technology applied to
sodium oxybate has identified formulations that demonstrate the
potential to eliminate the second nighttime dose for patients
suffering from narcolepsy. The current dosing regimen for the
standard of care, Xyrem(R) (sodium oxybate), in the United States is
two equal, divided doses: the first dose at bedtime and the second
dose 2.5 to 4 hours later. The elimination of the second dose for
narcolepsy patients would not only provide more convenience, but may
improve the benefit sodium oxybate provides as there will be no
disruption to nighttime sleep. The potential for additional benefits,
including improved safety, will be studied.
The trial was designed as a 16 subject four-way crossover evaluating
three different formulations of Micropump sodium oxybate and Xyrem at
a nightly dose of 4.5g (two doses of 2.25g for Xyrem) with an
extension phase at 6g for successful Micropump formulations. Each
subject consumed a standard meal two hours prior to dosing. Subjects
were instructed to maintain a consistent meal time and dosing
schedule throughout the study. When a subject took Xyrem they were
instructed to take the second dose 4 hours after the first dose. Two
subjects dropped out of the study prior to the completion of the 4.5g
dosing portion for reasons unrelated to drug. The key data for the 14
evaluable subjects at 4.5g are:
-- Onset of action similar to Xyrem
-- Cmax lower than Xyrem
-- Mean blood concentration (ug/ml) at hours 7 and 8 similar to Xyrem
For the extension phase of the study, two formulations were moved
forward for dosing at 6g. Thirteen subjects were evaluable as one
subject dropped out for a reason unrelated to drug. The profiles for
both formulations were consistent with expectations.
The current study will continue to treat subjects at higher doses.
Given these results, Flamel plans to begin a new clinical study
before the end of 2014 in a larger number of subjects further
evaluating its formulations as well as certain pharmacodynamic
endpoints. This study is not expected to be a registration study.
Flamel plans to meet with regulatory authorities prior to embarking
upon registration studies which are expected to begin prior to the
end of 2015.
Flamel's Micropump technology is protected by intellectual property
through at least 2025 in the United States. Micropump is a proven
drug delivery platform for the oral delivery of small molecules.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder involving irregular patterns in Rapid
Eye Movement (REM) sleep and significant disruptions of the normal
sleep/wake cycle. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime
sleepiness, sleep attacks, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations
and disrupted nighttime sleep.
Xyrem(R) is sold in the United States by Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc, in
Canada by Valeant Canada Limited (via license from Jazz) and in
twenty-two EU countries and Mexico by UCB Pharma Limited (via license
from Jazz).
A conference call to discuss these results and other updates is
scheduled for 8:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time on April 7, 2014. A
question and answer period will follow management's prepared remarks.
To participate in the conference call, investors are invited to dial
888-857-6930 (U.S.) or 719-457-2615 (international). The conference
ID number is 9695267. The conference call webcast may be accessed at
www.flamel.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Flamel's
website for 90 days following the call.
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