CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., Oct. 14, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emisphere Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:EMIS) announced today that a study by Novartis Pharma AG and its partner Nordic Bioscience demonstrated that oral salmon calcitonin using Emisphere's proprietary Eligen(r) Technology taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals with 50 ml of water results in improved absorption and improved efficacy measured by the biomarker of reduced bone resorption (sCTX-I) compared to the commonly prescribed nasal formulation. The study was a randomized, partially-blind, placebo-controlled, single dose exploratory crossover clinical trial using 56 healthy postmenopausal women. The results are published in the current issue of BMC Clinical Pharmacology.
Salmon calcitonin is used to treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis represents a large market, including 10 million managed patients and 34 million additional individuals at risk. An ideal treatment with an optimal efficacy/safety/convenience profile is not available, suggesting a clear need that could be addressed by Novartis' new oral calcitonin formulation using Emisphere's technology. Oral calcitonin could provide a safe, effective and convenient alternative to existing therapies in osteoporosis and is currently investigated for use in osteoarthritis.
"This study documents the potential application of Emisphere's Eligen(r) Technology as a solution in drug development," said Michael V. Novinski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emisphere.
About Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
Emisphere is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on a unique and improved delivery of therapeutic molecules using its Eligen(r) Technology. These molecules and compounds could be currently available or in development. Such molecules are usually delivered by injection; in many cases, their benefits are limited due to poor bioavailability, slow on-set of action or variable absorption. The Eligen(r) Technology can be applied to the oral route of administration as well other delivery pathways, such as buccal, rectal, inhalation, intra-vaginal or transdermal. The website is: www.emisphere.com.
Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements
The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of Emisphere relating to matters that are not historical facts (including without limitation those regarding the timing or potential outcomes of research collaborations or clinical trials, any market that might develop for any of Emisphere's product candidates and the sufficiency of Emisphere's cash and other capital resources) are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the likelihood that future research will prove successful, the likelihood that any product in the research pipeline will receive regulatory approval in the United States or abroad, the ability of Emisphere and/or its partners to develop, manufacture and commercialize products using Emisphere's drug delivery technology, Emisphere's ability to fund such efforts with or without partners, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Emisphere's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Emisphere's Annual Report on Form 10-K (file no. 1-10615) filed on March 13, 2008 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed on August 11, 2008.