Chelsea Therapeutics Resubmits New Drug Application for NORTHERA(TM) (droxidopa) for the Treatment of Symptomatic NOH

-- Submission Includes Successful 300 mg Bioequivalence Study

-- Six Month Review Decision Expected Under PDUFA

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. (CHTP) today announced that it resubmitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval to market NORTHERA(TM) (droxidopa), an orally active synthetic precursor of norepinephrine, for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) in patients with primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta hydroxylase deficiency and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. The NDA resubmission includes data from Study 306B, a large phase 3 study which confirms findings from Study 301 demonstrating improvement in dizziness/lightheadedness, the cardinal symptom of NOH. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA is expected to review and act on the NDA six months from the date of resubmission.

"The resubmission of our Northera NDA marks a critical step in our effort to bring an important new therapeutic option to patients living with this debilitating condition," said Joseph G. Oliveto, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Chelsea. "We now have two large randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies which show that treatment with Northera results in consistent and statistically significant improvements in the symptoms of NOH, and a greatly expanded database supporting the safety of Northera. We look forward to working closely with the FDA as they review our application and, in parallel, planning for commercialization."

In addition to Study 306B, the filing also includes three smaller supportive randomized controlled trials, two long-term open-label extension studies, a dedicated thorough QTc study, a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring study and a bioequivalence study for the 300 mg dose form of droxidopa. The bioequivalence study showed comparable pharmacokinetics between the 300 mg dose form of droxidopa and the 100 mg and 200 mg combination dose form.

As previously disclosed, FDA has indicated that the revised Northera NDA may be reviewed by the Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Advisory Committee, or CRDAC. The FDA has also raised the possibility of accelerated approval for Northera, where it has indicated that endpoints measuring short-term clinical benefits can be used as valid surrogates reasonably likely to predict long-term clinical benefits under accelerated approval. FDA also noted that the Company may be required to verify the durability of effect of Northera in a post-marketing study. Chelsea continues to work with the FDA on the design of such a study, which it intends to initiate in the fourth quarter of 2013. The study is expected to include short-term clinical endpoints should the Agency require an additional clinical trial for the approval of Northera.

Northera was previously granted Orphan Drug Designation and received Fast Track designation from the FDA. Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate the review of products that address serious or potentially life-threatening conditions for which there is an unmet medical need.

About Symptomatic NOH

NOH is a chronic neurogenic disorder resulting from deficient release of norepinephrine that predominantly affects patients with primary autonomic failure, a group of diseases which includes Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and pure autonomic failure (PAF). Symptoms of NOH include: dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, fatigue, poor concentration, and fainting episodes when a person assumes a standing position, often severely limiting a person's ability to perform routine daily activities that require standing or walking for both short and long periods of time.

About Northera

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Chelsea Therapeutics Resubmits New Drug Application for NORTHERA(TM) (droxidopa) for the Treatment of Symptomatic NOH