EffRx announces issuance of European Patent protecting EX101, effervescent alendronate weekly dosing form - August 15, 2011
15 August 2011 - Lausanne,Switzerland
EffRx Pharmaceuticals SA, an Epalinges/Lausanne, Switzerland-based drug delivery company, announces that the European Patent Office intends to grant application 03 716 287.2 – 2107, enhancing the protection of EX101 in Europe.
This patent issuance provides significant additional Intellectual Property concerning the EffRx Lead Program, EX101 (70 mg effervescent alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis) into important territories.
The formulation is unique in that it delivers the bisphosphonate (alendronate) to the stomach in a proprietary buffered solution that prevents exposure of the stomach or esophagus to strongly acidified bisphosphonate forms, which are believed to be damaging forms of this drug class.
Additional claims related to the buffering composition, control of the acidic stomach environment, formulation components, and aspects of method of manufacturing were also granted.
An NDA for EX101 has been submitted by EffRx and filed by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Nycomed has licensed EX101 for territories outside the United States, Canada and Japan, and the product is in registration in many countries. Approvals are expected towards the end of 2011. EffRx is presently seeking a strong distribution partner in USA and Canada.
“We now have strong patent position in most major markets and thereby feel very confident that EX101 will be a very significant revenue generator for our company.
There are more and more reports around the world that generic alendronate products have even more GI-side effect problems than branded bisphosphonate products and thereby less patient compliance.
We strongly believe that EX101 fills an unmet need of patients, doctors, and payers around the world since poor compliance leads to escalating health costs due to osteoporosis related fractures” stated Christer Rosén, Chairman and CEO.
About EffRx
EffRx is a privately held drug delivery technology company specializing in the utilization of proprietary effervescent technology to develop formulations that improve efficiency, compliance and convenience of existing prescription drugs.
For additional information please visit the EffRx website www.effrx.com