Apricus Biosciences, Inc.
14.03.2012 15:05
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SAN DIEGO, 2012-03-14 15:05 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Apricus Biosciences, Inc. ('Apricus Bio' or the 'Company') (Nasdaq:APRI)
(http://www.apricusbio.com), San Diego Hospice (the 'Hospice') and The
Institute for Palliative Medicine today announced the signing of a clinical
development collaboration to study the use of the Company's NexACT(r) Technology
in the hospice setting. Clinicians at the Hospice will be evaluating the
topical delivery of common hospice medications to determine if the use of such
products with the Company's NexACT(r) drug delivery technology can have greater
efficacy in delivering certain drugs to Hospice patients.
Apricus Bio's NexACT(r) technology consists of a small molecule permeation
enhancer called Dodecyl 2-(N,N dimethylamino)-propionate (DDAIP), which enables
the rapid absorption of high concentrations of an active pharmaceutical
ingredient directly at the target site. The Company believes that drugs that
are combined to DDAIP can thus better penetrate the skin and be delivered to a
patient's bloodstream or where they are needed.
The first compound the Hospice will evaluate is chlorpromazine, commonly
prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. In human skin permeation studies
conducted by the Company, twice as much chlorpromazine was delivered through
the skin when used with NexACT(r), as compared to the currently-used topical
formulation of chlorpromazine. The current formulation of chlorpromazine used
by the Hospice combines the drug with Pluronic Lecithin Organogel ('PLO'), a
mixture of oil and water that thickens to form a gel to enhance penetration
through the skin.
Dr. Bassam Damaj, Apricus Bio's Chairman, President and CEO commented, 'Our
NexACT(r) drug delivery technology is ideally suited to deliver therapeutic
compounds in the hospice setting where non-invasive delivery technologies
complement the Hospice's mission 'to prevent and relieve suffering and promote
quality of life, at every stage of life.' Our studies also indicate that the
NexACT(r) technology works better than the current topical alternatives.'
Charles F. von Gunten, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Palliative Medicine
and Provost, The Institute for Palliative Medicine at the San Diego Hospice
also commented, 'Alternative clinically proven and validated drug delivery
technologies such as Apricus Bio's NexACT(r) are badly needed in the hospice
patient setting where many patients can't or won't tolerate more invasive
delivery methods such as injections. We are thrilled to begin this
collaboration.'
About Apricus Biosciences, Inc.
Apricus Bio is a San Diego-based revenue-generating hybrid specialty
pharmaceutical company, with commercial products and a broad pipeline across
numerous therapeutic classes.
Revenues and growth are driven from the sales of the Company's commercial
products through its Apricus Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and NexMed (USA), Inc.
subsidiaries and through out-licensing in certain territories of its product
pipeline and NexACT(r) technology.
Apricus Bio currently markets Totect(r) (dexrazoxane HCl), the only drug
approved
in the US for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation. The Company also
plans to market in the U.S. or certain other countries the following products:
(a) Granisol(r) (granisetron HCI) oral solution, the only FDA-approved, oral,
ready-to-use liquid solution of granisetron, (b) Aquoral(tm), an FDA-cleared,
prescription-only spray for the treatment of Xerostomia (the medical term for
dry mouth due to a lack of saliva) and (c) NitroMist(r) (nitroglycerin
sublingual
spray), an FDA-approved nitrate vasodilator indicated for acute relief of an
attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris (chest pain) due to coronary
artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart).
Apricus Bio's current NexACT(r) pipeline includes Vitaros(r), approved in Canada
for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as well as compounds in development
from pre-clinical through pre-registration currently focused on Sexual
Dysfunction, Oncology, Dermatology, Autoimmune, Pain, Anti-Infectives, Diabetes
and Consumer Healthcare.
The Company also expects to develop and/or acquire and then bring to market
additional pharmaceutical products in areas of care that will benefit patient
needs worldwide.
For further information on Apricus Bio, visit http://www.apricusbio.com, and
for information on its subsidiary please visit http://www.nexmedusa.com. You
can also receive information at http://twitter.com/apricusbio.
About San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine
San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine was the first
non-profit hospice program in San Diego County, since 1977, and one of the
largest community-owned, non-profit hospices in the country, bringing
compassionate, expert medical care to more than 1,000 seriously ill adults and
children each day throughout San Diego County. In addition to patient care, The
Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice is internationally
recognized for its innovative education programs, patient/family-centered
research and evidence-based advocacy since 1989. The Institute for Palliative
Medicine trains more than 4,000 healthcare professionals each year in the
advances in hospice and palliative care. For more information, visit
www.sdhospice.org, or visit their online communities:
www.Facebook.com/SanDiegoHospice or , www.Twitter.com/SanDiegoHospice, or
www.YouTube.com/SanDiegoHospice, or call toll-free 866-688-1600.
Apricus Bio's Forward-Looking Statement Safe Harbor
Statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, as amended: with
the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the
matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein
described for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company,
including, but not limited to, its ability to further develop its products and
product candidates, to have its products and product candidates approved by
relevant regulatory authorities, to successfully commercialize such products as
Totect(r), Granisol(r), Aquoral(tm) and NitroMist(tm) and Vitaros(r) for
erectile
dysfunction and NexACT(r) product candidates and drug delivery technology such
as
that to be used by the San Diego Hospice and to achieve its development,
commercialization and financial goals. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements as actual results could differ
materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are
urged to read the risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent annual
report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q and other
filings made with the SEC. Copies of these reports are available from the SEC's
website or without charge from the Company.
CONTACT: Apricus Bio Investor Relations:
David Pitts
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
david@argotpartners.com
News Source: NASDAQ OMX
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Language: English
Company: Apricus Biosciences, Inc.
United States
Phone:
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ISIN: US9901429525
WKN:
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DGAP-News: Apricus Biosciences, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine Announce a Broad Clinical Research Program Using NexACT(R) Technology
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