Orexo's Product NLA Nasal Spray Shows Excellent Local Tolerability in Patients with Rhinitis
UPPSALA, Sweden, 18th March, 2008 - Orexo has completed a
study which confirms that the liposomes in Orexo's product NLA
Nasal Spray, can mask the irritating characteristics of cetirizine,
which is used for treatment of rhinitis. The results of the study
are an important step in Orexo's process of developing and
commercializing NLA Nasal Spray as a treatment for patients with
rhinitis.
Cetirizine is one of the most sold treatments for rhinitis in the
world, with annual sales amounting to USD 1.6 bn. The compound is
however known to have side effects such as sedation. In order to
avoid such side effects, cetirizine nasal spray has been tested by
scientists, but this formulation has shown other side effects such
as smarting pain in the nose.
Orexo has developed a unique and patented formulation of cetirizine
and liposomes, NLA Nasal Spray. Earlier studies have shown that
treatment with NLA Nasal Spray gives a rapid relief of rhinitis
symptoms and is as effective as cetirizine in tablets. A newly
completed study with rhinitis patients also shows that NLA Nasal
Spray causes no side effects such as smarting pain in the
nose.
In the study, 25 people were exposed to the pollen of their allergy
during three periods consisting of five days each, setting off
rhinitis. Starting with the last day of the pollen exposure, the
group was treated in a blind test with NLA Nasal Spray (cetirizine
and liposomes), cetirizine in liquid form or placebo treatment.
There was no distinction in terms of local irritating
characteristics in the nose between patients treated with NLA Nasal
Spray and patients treated with placebo. The local irritating
characteristics were also significantly lower than for the patients
treated with cetirizine in liquid form, which immediately generated
a strong reaction.
The conclusion of the study is that the liposomes in NLA Nasal
Spray are able to mask the irritating characteristics of
cetirizine.
"NLA Nasal Spray has the potential to become a valuable
contribution in the treatment of patients suffering from rhinitis.
The test results of the study that has been completed bear positive
implications for these patients. Orexo's primary objective is to
promote existing collaborations and sign new license and
development agreements. Therefore, the results of this study also
form a valuable contribution to our process of finding a partner to
develop and commercialize NLA Nasal Spray" says Torbjörn
Bjerke, President and CEO of Orexo.
For more information, please contact:
Torbjörn Bjerke, President and CEO, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)708-66 19 90
E-mail: torbjorn.bjerke@orexo.com
Claes Wenthzel, Executive Vice President & CFO, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)18-780 88 44
E-mail: claes.wenthzel@orexo.com
TO THE EDITORS
About Orexo
Orexo is a specialty pharmaceutical company, focusing on
development of new, patented drugs by combining well-documented
substances with innovative technologies, and the development of new
treatments for respiratory and inflammatory diseases.
Orexo has a broad and competitive late-stage product portfolio,
including two marketed products, five products in clinical phase
and two undergoing registration.
To date, Orexo have out-licensed the market rights for
Rapinyl™ for the US, the EU and Japan markets, and signed a
research collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim regarding the
development of a new class of drugs to treat pain and inflammation.
Also, Orexo has established a Nordic sales force by entering into a
joint venture with ProStrakan.
Orexo has head office in Uppsala and is listed on the OMX Nordic
Exchange
Stockholm, Small Cap (ticker: ORX).
Posted: March 2008
