XELPROSTM to be commercialize in US
The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has approved Sun Pharma Halol (Gujarat) facility’s New Drug Application (NDA) of XELPROSTM (latanoprost ophthalmic emulsion) 0.005% for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP, or pressure inside the eye) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Sun Pharma Halol is a subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.
Sun Pharma in-licensed XELPROSTM from SPARC in June 2015.
SPARC is also eligible for milestone payments and royalties on commercialization of XELPROSTM in the US.
XELPROSTM is the first and only form of latanoprost that is not formulated with benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative commonly used in topical ocular preparations. XELPROSTM is developed using SPARC’s proprietary Swollen Micelle Microemulsion (SMM) technology.
“As the only BAK-free version of latanoprost, XELPROSTM will be an important and alternative treatment option for individuals with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension,” said Abhay Gandhi, CEO, North America, Sun Pharma.
“This approval, coming less than one month following the approval of CEQUA™ (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09%, reaffirms the strength of Sun Pharma’s fast-growing Ophthalmics division and its commitment to serving the needs of patients with ocular disorders,” said Gandhi.
SPARC CEO Anil Raghavan said: “Approval of XELPROSTM by USFDA is a significant milestone for SPARC. It is also a validation of our SMM technology which helps to solubilize drugs that have limited or no solubility thus eliminating the need for benzalkonium chloride (BAK).”
In randomized, controlled clinical trials of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension with a mean baseline Intraocular pressure (IOP) of 23-26 mmHg, XELPROSTM lowered IOP by a mean of up to 6-8 mmHg.
XELPROSTM will be commercialized in the U.S. by Sun Ophthalmics, the branded ophthalmic division of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.’s wholly owned subsidiary. fiinews.com
