Cerimon Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase II/III Clinical Studies To Evaluate Its Diclofenac Patch For Mild To Moderate Pain
Paul J. Sekhri, President and CEO of Cerimon Pharmaceuticals, stated, "Our diclofenac patch is designed to offer convenient, site-specific pain relief to patients with mild to moderate forms of musculoskeletal pain without systemic side effects associated with currently available oral NSAIDs. Consumers in Japan and several other countries have responded strongly to the advantages of topical diclofenac patches virtually identical to our patch, and we believe this provides an indication of the potential market demand in the U.S. Cerimon is moving its program forward aggressively to address this unmet medical need, allowing us to build a leadership position in the US pain market."
This is the second late-stage development program Cerimon commenced in the past year. In April 2007, the Company initiated a Phase IIb study of Simulect(R) (basiliximab) for moderate-to-severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis.
Pain Market
Musculoskeletal pain is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Acute musculoskeletal injuries are common and can occur during sports activities, exercise, or other physical activities. Acute musculoskeletal injuries generally require rapid treatment, which often includes the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Optimal topical treatment should relieve acute pain and reduce swelling in the injured area to restore normal movement. In addition, it should be safe and easy to administer.
Pain represents a large and dynamic market in the United States. Oral formulations of NSAIDs currently are marketed worldwide for the treatment of inflammation and pain, including pain due to musculoskeletal injuries, signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, headache and other minor aches and pains. While traditional oral NSAIDs are effective, they can cause serious gastrointestinal and other adverse events. Further, the withdrawal of some COX-2 inhibitors has removed a major therapeutic option for patients with multiple moderate and severe forms of pain, resulting in a significant market opportunity. These developments have created a significant need for a localized pain product with a strong safety profile.
About Cerimon Pharmaceuticals
Cerimon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing therapeutic products for autoimmune diseases, inflammation and pain. Cerimon believes these new treatment options will enable physicians specialized in treating these conditions to further improve the lives of their patients.
Cerimon currently has two drugs in development. Simulect(R) (basiliximab) entered a Phase IIb study for moderate-to-severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis in April 2007. In addition, the Company has now initiated two Phase II/III studies of a topical patch formulation of diclofenac sodium in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain.
Cerimon is well financed, having closed a $70 million Series A financing in late 2005 with the premier investors MPM, Nomura Phase4 Ventures, and OrbiMed Advisors.
For more information on Cerimon, please visit the Company's website at http://www.cerimon.com.
Cerimon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
http://www.cerimon.com
View drug information on Simulect.
Cerimon Pharmaceuticals iniþiazã de fazã II / III Studii clinice pentru a evalua sa Diclofenac Patch Pentru uºoarã pânã la moderatã Pain - Cerimon Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase II/III Clinical Studies To Evaluate Its Diclofenac Patch For Mild To Moderate Pain - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate