QRxPharma Limited, a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for pain and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has announced that the FDA has accepted its proposed Phase 3 protocol designs and statistical analyses to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Q8003IR, an immediate release dual-opioid (morphine plus oxycodone) product intended for the management of moderate to severe acute pain. Pending incorporation of the FDA’s recommended modifications, only two Phase 3 trials will be required for NDA filing. Under this streamlined clinical development program, no additional pharmacology, toxicology or long-term clinical safety studies will be required for regulatory submission and market approval. “This is a significant and positive outcome,” said Dr. John Holaday, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, QRxPharma, commenting on the FDA review meeting. “Acceptance of QRxPharma’s streamlined development plan for Q8003IR is a measure of success in terms of reduced risk, resource efficiencies, and potential value of dual opioids. We believe this outcome serves to reinforce the soundness of our business strategy – to expand the clinical utility of existing compounds and deliver new treatments for targeted indications with well-defined paths to regulatory approval and sales.” Following QRxPharma’s FDA meeting on July 21, 2008, the company reported the agency had determined no new animal safety studies were needed, accepted the design of the proposed combination rule study with minimal modifications, and found the proposed number of patients receiving Q8003IR, as well as the duration of dosing, sufficient for regulatory submission of a 505(b)2 NDA. “No additional clinical studies or measures of safety and efficacy beyond those proposed by QRxPharma were requested,” said Dr. Warren Stern, Executive Vice President, Drug Development, QRxPharma. “Having successfully completed an initial Phase 3 trial in April2008, QRxPharma continues to satisfy FDA requirements and demonstrate the potential of Q8003IR to provide equal or better analgesia with a reduction of total opioid dose and improved tolerability.” Final Phase 3 studies for Q8003IR will include a combination rule study in patients experiencing post-surgery (bunionectomy) pain and placebo controlled study in patients following total knee replacement.
