NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ventrus Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:VTUS) announced that it has completed patient enrollment and randomization in the second Phase 3 clinical trial of Diltiazem Hydrochloride 2% Cream (VEN 307) in patients with pain related to anal fissure (AF). Ventrus anticipates that data from this Phase 3 study will be available in the first quarter of 2014, and it expects to file a New Drug Application (NDA) for VEN 307 in the second quarter of 2014.
The second pivotal Phase 3 trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-treatment group, multicenter efficacy and safety study of VEN 307 in subjects with AF, enrolled 434 subjects and is being conducted at 90 global clinical sites, with the majority of sites and patients located in the United States. Enrollment into this trial began in October 2012.
The study's primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of VEN 307 on reduction of worst AF-related pain associated with or following defecation when administered three times a day (TID) for 28 days. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect of VEN 307 on reduction of overall daily AF-related pain and to evaluate patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) at Day 29 in subjects with AF-related pain. To be eligible for randomization into the study, all patients had to have sufficient baseline AF-related pain associated with or following defecation of ≥ 5 on an 11-point numerical rating score (NRS) scale with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst possible pain.
"This is an important milestone in the clinical development of VEN 307, and marks completion of enrollment in the second of two pivotal clinical trials for the treatment of anal fissures," said Dr. Russell Ellison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ventrus Biosciences, Inc. "Ventrus is focused on bringing the treatment of anal fissures into the modern medical era by developing the first non-nitroglycerin prescription pharmaceutical treatment for FDA approval, an advancement which could benefit patients who suffer from this extremely painful condition."
In May 2012, Ventrus reported that its first pivotal Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of VEN 307 for the treatment of anal fissures met its endpoints. The trial randomized 465 subjects to diltiazem hydrochloride 4% or 2% w/w cream, or placebo, applied topically TID for 8 weeks, followed by a 4 week blinded observation period. At 4 weeks, the 2% diltiazem treatment arms demonstrated improvements compared to placebo in the primary endpoint of average of worst anal pain associated with or following defecation (pain score improvement of 0.43, p=0.0122) and in the secondary endpoints of overall anal-fissure-related pain (pain score of 0.42, p=0.0143). Pain endpoints were assessed using an 11-point numerical pain rating scale (Likert-like scale).
Because diltiazem is approved in oral formulations for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure, VEN 307 is eligible for the FDA's 505(b)2 registration pathway.
About VEN 307: Diltiazem Hydrochloride Cream
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium-channel blocker that has been marketed in oral formulations for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure for over two decades. Diltiazem hydrochloride cream is applied perianally to treat pain related to anal fissure. It has been shown to normalize internal anal sphincter pressure and reduce anal maximal resting pressure, or MRP, and its vasodilator activity has the potential to improve blood supply, thereby decreasing the pain associated with anal fissures.
About Anal Fissures
Anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal characterized by severe anal pain associated with or after bowel movements. It is a common anal disorder, which we believe is underdiagnosed. The pathogenesis of anal fissure is hypothesized to be initiated by the passage of a hard fecal bolus, resulting in a split in the epithelium of the anal canal. Along with poor vascular supply of the anal epithelium, increased activity (tone) of the internal anal sphincter smooth muscle further compromises the anodermal blood supply and contributes to the pain and ischemia of the anal epithelium, perpetuating ulceration and preventing healing.
In 2010, it was estimated by SDI Health LLC that there were approximately 1.1 million office visits per year for anal fissures. Topical diltiazem, which is not approved by the FDA as a use for anal fissure, is currently listed in the U.S. anal fissure treatment guidelines as a preferred agent prior to attempting surgery, and is available only as a compounded medicine.
About Ventrus
Ventrus is a specialty pharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of prescription drugs addressing gastrointestinal problems. The Company's lead product, topical diltiazem (VEN 307) for the treatment of anal fissures, reported positive top line results in May 2012. The second Phase 3 trial has now completed enrollment and is expected to report out data in the first quarter of 2014, with a NDA filing expected in the second quarter of 2014. Ventrus' product candidate portfolio also includes topical phenylephrine (VEN 308) intended to treat fecal incontinence. The Company has also recently licensed intellectual property and know-how relating to the oral delivery of bacteria, viruses and drugs to specific sites in the intestine, using a pH sensitive controlled release platform technology. The potential indication areas include (i) gastro-intestinal, auto-immune and metabolic disorders, (ii) viral and bacterial vaccines, and (iii) optimized colonic delivery of drugs.
Please Note: The information provided herein contains estimates and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such statements are just predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the components, timing, cost and results of clinical trials and other development activities involving our product candidates; the unpredictability of the clinical development of our product candidates and of the duration and results of regulatory review of those candidates by the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities; the unpredictability of the size of the markets for, and market acceptance of, any of our products; our anticipated capital expenditures, our estimates regarding our capital requirements, and our need for future capital; our reliance on our lead product candidate, VEN 307; our ability to retain and hire necessary employees and to staff our operations appropriately; and the possible impairment of, or inability to obtain, intellectual property rights and the costs of obtaining such rights from third parties. The reader is referred to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.