Espero acquires Durlaza (aspirin) extended release capsules for secondary prevention of stroke and acute cardiac events.
Espero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a commercial-stage cardiovascular pharmaceutical company, announced that the company has acquired the global rights to Durlaza (aspirin) extended release capsules. Company officials will provide an update on Feb. 13, 2017 at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference held at the Waldorf Astoria New York.
Durlaza is an FDA-approved and commercially available prescription 24-hour extended-release aspirin capsule, the first and only once-daily drug of its kind, indicated for the secondary treatment of stroke and acute cardiac events. Approved in September 2015, Durlaza is designed to reduce the risk of death and myocardial infarction in patients with chronic coronary artery disease, and reduce the risk of death and recurrent stroke in patients who have had an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). www.durlaza.com
“According to the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Task Force on Practice Guidelines, low-dose aspirin is a recommended treatment for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD), unless contraindicated, with the goal to improve survival,” commented Quang Pham, Espero chief executive officer.
“Durlaza will complement our portfolio of cardiovascular treatments, including Gonitro (nitroglycerin sublingual powder), and enable us to leverage our commercial infrastructure,” added Jeff Cole, Espero president and chief financial officer.
Low-dose aspirin has been proven to reduce the risk of secondary cardiovascular events and mortality in high-risk patients with stable cardiovascular disease. This is primarily due to aspirin’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (blood clotting). The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) pointed out that heart disease kills many Americans. The USPSTF, whose recommendations often are used as the basis for medical policy, says adults in their 50s who have a 10 percent or greater risk of heart disease over the next 10 years should take a low-dose aspirin daily to prevent heart disease.
“Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is responsible for 30 percent of all deaths in the United States,” as reported by the USPSTF. “About 40 percent of American adults over 50 currently take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes. More than 26 million adults have been diagnosed and are living with heart disease. Nearly 8 million adults have a history of heart attack and 6 million have a history of stroke.”
While the body is making platelets 24-hours a day, current immediate-release traditional aspirin only stays in the blood for a mean duration of approximately four to six hours, with peak plasma concentrations peaking after just 30 minutes. Durlaza utilizes extended-release, microcapsule technology to prolong aspirin release. Durlaza offers the only once-daily, 24-hour antiplatelet therapy through the extended release of its 162.5mg dose, resulting in prolonged absorption, and sustained platelet exposure to aspirin. Durlaza, like immediate-release aspirin, increases the risk of bleeding and gastric ulceration, and may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
With Gonitro and Durlaza, Espero now has two FDA-approved standard of care prescription medications for treating SIHD. Durlaza was previously marketed by New Haven Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Connecticut.
(Source: Business Wire)
