The Australian Investor Cover story, September 2009
Phosphagenics Limited Records a Potentially World Class Breakthrough in the Treatment of Chronic Pain following Successful Completion of a Phase 1 Clinical Study for Oxycodone.
In commitment to becoming the first company to offer chronic pain suffers pain relief, Phosphagenics Limited has successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical study into its patented oxycodone transdermal matrix patch system. As one of the worlds leading drugs for pain management, oxycodone sales currently exceed $US1.5 billion annually, providing for Phosphagenics to obtain a potentially formidable market share.
Significantly, the results of the trial have established that after a single dose, the company’s patch delivered oxycodone into the blood stream in a reproducible, consistent and sustained manner.
Dr. Esra Ogru, Chief Operating Officer of Phosphagenics Limited explained that the company’s present primary focus is upon the delivery of treatments through the skin that were previously unsuitable for this mode. “Such products include Oxycodone and Insulin which have huge markets.
“The oxycodone Phase 1 trial was a very critical study for Phosphagenics demonstrating that out patch system could deliver oxycodone into the blood stream.
“The results are a world first, and represent the potential of a significant breakthrough in the treatment of chronic pain. We are very excited to be developing a treatment regime that will lead to therapeutic pain reduction and provide clinicians with more flexibility in treating patients,” Dr. Ogru commented.
Further, “The trial demonstrated the versatility of the technology.” Deviating from the standard gel form, Phosphagenics, “applied a patch to the skin.”
The phase 1 trial results highlighted that the patch delivered approximately 40 mg of oxycodone into the body over a 7 day period.
Subjects included within the trial were given a single dose of the treatment via Phosphagenics matrix patch which was removed three days after applications.
Importantly Dr. Ogru noted, “The oxycodone delivery into the blood continued for up to four days after the patch was removed.”
Prior research has shown that an oral dose of oxycotin only provides pain relief for a matter of hours. Whereas Phosphagenic’s oxycodone has the potential to provide sustained drug delivery, “removing some of the peaks and troughs of pain relief associated with oral treatment.” Professor Guy Ludbrook, Professor of Anaesthesia, University of Adelaide has ascertained.
Moving forward, the next stage “is very exciting,” Dr. Ogru said.
“Our next trial, scheduled to be completed before the end of this year, will involve a repeat daily dosing study and will examine oxycodone blood levels over a longer period.
“We hope to show that oxycodone may be useful for the reduction of pain on a 24/7 basis.”
The strength of Phosphagenics business “is the versatility of our technology, acting as a competitive advantage for us,” as the company operates alongside 42 other of pharmaceutical companies. “Essentially it can be delivered in a gel, patch or spray form.”
The company’s patented TPM technology has a range of significant biological properties. These have been found to be applicable to pharmaceutical and personal care products (including nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals).
“Though the application of our technology to nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals areas we are tapping into a potentially wider market share.”
Dr. Ogru informed the Australia Investor that Phosphagenics has full control over the delivery of their products, working as a advantageous distinction over other pharmaceutical companies.
“Phosphagenics future outlook is very bright. We are one of only a few biotech companies which hold an advanced R&D pipeline,” Phosphagenics has a strong pharmaceutical division with all of the compounds in clinical development phase.
Dr. Ogru also discussed the company’s prospective personal care division where, in order to maximise long-term shareholder returns, Phosphagenics is progressing towards a self-funding model.
Cash generated from the ‘faster to market’ personal care products will assist in funding pharmaceutical opportunities to a stage where a rewarding partnership/license agreement can be negotiated.
“Our personal care division is consistently growing, providing multiple opportunities for Phosphagenics which are low-risk.” As such “I can say that we are truly a low-risk company.”
Dr. Ogru concluded, “in terms of moving forward we have many licensing opportunities in front of us, and we will carry out our business plan with an objective of doing what is best for the company, and for shareholders.”
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 Phosphagenics TPM delivery technology used by Le Métier de Beauté in US personal care product launch
Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics (ASX: POH; OTCQX: PPGNY) announced today that the New York-based luxury beauty company, Le Métier de Beauté, will launch its new cosmetic treatment products, Peau de Vierge anti-aging collection, exclusively with Phosphagenics’ TPM delivery technology across the US this month. To support the launch, Le Métier de Beauté will commence a significant marketing campaign focusing on Phosphagenics’ TPM delivery technology as the primary point of differentiation. Phosphagenics core technology offering is built around the science and application of phosphorylation, a process where the addition of a phosphate group has been found to enhance the bioavailability, activity and safety of existing pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as to assist in the production of drug delivery platforms. In July, Phosphagenics announced that Le Métier de Beauté agreed to license to manufacture and sell products using Phosphagenics’ TPM technology. The company said its strategy (outlined at the May AGM) to quickly and at low cost to the company, to enter the highly lucrative US personal care market has been achieved. The arrangement with Le Métier de Beauté will enable an entry into profitable personal care market, imiting the company's financial exposure and maintaining substantial financial upside. By partnering with Le Métier de Beauté, will allow Phosphagenics to remain focused on its core pharmaceutical development business.
(20min delay)