Collaboration with Britannia to Develop New Formulations of Apomorphine for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
04 November 2005
Vernalis plc (LSE: VER, NASDAQ: VNLS) today announces a collaboration with Britannia Pharmaceuticals Limited (Britannia), to explore the development of new formulations of apomorphine in North America for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Britannia has granted Vernalis exclusive rights to:
- Use Britannia’s technology to develop a continuous sub-cutaneous infusion of apomorphine in North America. This product is currently marketed in Europe by Britannia and can be used in patients with frequent fluctuations or who require multiple injections in a day.
- Negotiate terms to develop a nasal powder formulation of apomorphine in North America. Britannia is currently conducting Phase II clinical trials with this formulation in Europe.
Vernalis also announced today the acquisition of Apokyn® (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) which is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of “off” episodes associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Simon Sturge, CEO of Vernalis said “This agreement with Britannia complements our acquisition of Apokyn® and further strengthens our Parkinson’s disease franchise.”
View the announcement (PDF - 89KB).
- ends -
Enquiries:
Vernalis plc +44 (0) 118 977 3133
Simon Sturge, Chief Executive
Tony Weir, Chief Financial Officer
Julia Wilson, Head of Corporate Communications
Brunswick Group +44 (0) 20 7404 5959
Jon Coles
Wendel Verbeek
Notes to Editors
About Apomorphine
Apomorphine is a non-ergoline dopamine receptor agonist. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia structures of the brain, which is key to producing smooth voluntary movement. Apomorphine has been marketed in Europe by Britannia Pharmaceuticals for a number of years as both a subcutaneous injection and a continuous subcutaneous infusion using a small portable pump.
About Britannia
Founded in 1981 Britannia Pharmaceuticals Limited is a UK based pharmaceutical company whose mission is to become a leading supplier of innovative products for niche medical conditions. The Company has pioneered new treatments for some of the world's most debilitating conditions including asthma, Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, erectile dysfunction and surgical adhesions. In addition to these treatments, Britannia has also developed nasal and respiratory drug delivery technologies that are applicable to a wide range of treatments. For fur ther information about Britannia, please visit www.britannia-pharm.co.uk.
About Vernalis
Vernalis is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on products marketed to specialist neurologists. The company has two marketed products, frovatriptan and Apokyn®, and a development pipeline focused on neurology and central nervous system disorders. The company has five products in clinical development and collaborations with leading, global pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Biogen Idec and Serono. Vernalis is establishing a US commercial operation to promote Apokyn® and co-promote frovatriptan alongside its North American licensing partner, Endo Pharmaceuticals, propelling the company towards its goal of becoming a sustainable, self-funding, R&D-driven, specialty pharmaceutical company. For further information about Vernalis, please visit www.vernalis.com.
Safe Harbour statement: this news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including the success of the Company's research strategies, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the uncertainties related to the regulatory process , the successful integration of completed mergers and acquisitions and achievement of expected synergies from such transactions, and the ability of the Company to identify and consummate suitable strategic and business combination transactions.
