Contraceptive Spray Shows Positive Clinical Trial Result

The Australian drug delivery company, announced positive results from its Phase 1 clinical studies using two unique contraceptive skin sprays, each containing a progestin and an estrogen.

The first study was a Phase I, pharmacokinetic study, investigating the delivery of a formulation combining Nestorone and the synthetic estrogen, Ethinyl Estradiol. A single dose of the combination formulation was applied to the forearm of healthy volunteers.

The results showed that the dosing of the contraceptive spray provided effective delivery of both contraceptive agents, with blood concentrations of Nestorone and Ethinyl Estradiol in the target range expected to provide effective contraception. The spray was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events recorded.

“This is the first time that the Acrux MDTS spray technology has effectively delivered a formulation containing a combination of two drugs”, commented Acrux CEO Richard Treagus.

“We are particularly pleased that our transdermal spray has been successful with Ethinyl Estradiol, as this is the active pharmaceutical compound in approximately 3 out of every 4 oral contraceptive tablets” he added.

Acrux plans to proceed with a multi-dose Phase 1 study in the second half of 2007. The study will be designed to demonstrate that therapeutic blood levels of the combination contraceptive are effectively maintained with once daily dosing.

The second study was a Phase I, pharmacokinetic study, investigating the delivery of a formulation combining Nestorone and the natural estrogen, Estradiol. A single dose of the combination formulation was applied to the forearm of healthy volunteers.

The results showed that the dosing of the contraceptive spray provided effective delivery of Nestorone, with blood concentrations in the target range that is expected to provide effective contraception. The spray was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events recorded.

Analysis of blood concentrations of Estradiol was inconclusive, due to interaction with background levels of Estradiol in the study population. Acrux has established experience with Estradiol in hormone therapy, with its lead product containing estradiol currently in pre-registration in the USA.

This, along with in-vitro results from a number of formulations containing Estradiol, gives the company confidence that it can deliver this novel combination contraceptive through the skin effectively. Acrux is planning a further Phase 1 study in the second half of 2007 in order to confirm these predictions.

“Our strategy over the last 12 months has been to rapidly demonstrate the broad applicability of the Acrux spray technology across a range of contraceptive products, including combination formulations. We have made material progress in this area, which has further strengthened our commercial prospects in the global contraceptive market” Richard Treagus said.

Contact:
Dr Richard Treagus, CEO & Managing Director
+61 3 8379 0100
+61 417 520 509
[email protected]

Source-Eurekalert
JAY/S