Vernalis probes new Parkinson’s treatments

Cambridge pharma company Vernalis is collaborating with UK-based Britannia Pharmaceuticals to explore 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.

Terms have also been negotiated 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 has also announced the acquisition of from US WorldMeds’ Apokyn® (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) which is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of ‘off’ episodes associated with Parkinson's.

Simon Sturge, the Vernalis CEO, said “This agreement with Britannia complements our acquisition of Apokyn® and further strengthens our Parkinson's disease franchise.”

Vernalis has also announced the successful completion of a long-term Phase III open-label safety study of frovatriptan administered for six days a month for 12 months in the prevention of migraine in patients with migraines related to their menstrual cycles.

In total, 525 patients entered the study and 308 (59 per cent) completed all 12 treatment cycles with over 4,000 peri-menstrual periods treated during the study.

A minimum of 100 patients completing the study was required to fulfil the safety data objective. The results indicate that the long-term safety profile observed in this trial is in line with previous data from shorter-term studies. The full results of the study will be presented at a scientific conference in due course.

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Simon Sturge

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Vernalis probes new Parkinson’s treatments