Egalet Presented New Data at PAINWEEK Demonstrating Potential of ARYMO ER to Deter Opioid Abuse

WAYNE, Pa., Sept. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Egalet Corporation (Nasdaq: EGLT) ("Egalet"), a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative treatments for pain and other conditions, yesterday presented findings from two studies at PAINWeek 2017 in Las Vegas. One study showed that the reduction in abuse potential of ARYMO^® ER (morphine sulfate) extended-release (ER) tablets, as measured by drug liking and other pharmacodynamic (PD) endpoints, strongly correlated to the pharmacokinetic (PK) results. Another study showed the majority of abusers progress to more dangerous routes of abuse after taking opioids orally.

"An analysis from the clinical abuse deterrence studies for ARYMO ER demonstrated a correlation between the PK data and the PD results, supporting its potential to help deter opioid abuse," said Jeffrey Dayno, MD, chief medical officer at Egalet. "In addition, another study looked at the motivation behind individuals progressing from oral abuse, which is particularly relevant given the ongoing opioid epidemic, and one for which there is little data. The study showed that the majority of abusers do progress to more dangerous, non-oral routes of abuse. This is why we believe ARYMO ER and other abuse-deterrent opioids could play an important role in deterring opioid abuse."

Misuse/abuse of opioids often involves manipulation (eg. chewing, crushing or dissolving) of the drug to get it into an abuseable form for alternative routes of administration (eg. intranasal or intravenous) and/or to achieve a quicker and more potent euphoric effect. To make manipulation more difficult, abuse-deterrent (AD) formulations, such as ARYMO ER, were developed. ARYMO ER is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AD opioid indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.

In a study led by Ben Vaughn, principal statistical scientist from Rho Inc., the objective was to better understand the PK/PD relationship using results from the oral and intranasal human abuse potential (HAP) studies of ARYMO ER. Evaluation of the relationship between PK and PD results can elucidate time points that coincide with the onset, peak and duration of the effects for intact and manipulated products. Such PK/PD evaluations may allow for a better understanding of how barriers to deter abuse affect the PK properties of AD opioids, and how changes in PK influence the PD outcomes. Highlights from the study included:

• All PD assessments of opioid abuse potential significantly correlated with Cmax, Tmax and abuse quotient in the anticipated directions, reinforcing literature suggesting that rate and degree of drug absorption influence abuse potential; and
• PK parameters were most effective in predicting Drug Liking Emax, followed by Overall Drug Liking and Take Drug Again.

"Understanding the PK/PD properties of an opioid is critical because the rate and degree of drug absorption correlates to the potential for abuse," said Mr. Vaughn. "The data presented at PAINWeek illustrate that abuse-deterrent products, such as ARYMO ER, may provide barriers to misuse or abuse. When prescribing an opioid, healthcare providers should consider medicines with abuse-deterrent features."

A second study led by Stacey McCaffrey, PhD, research scientist at Inflexxion, Inc., looked at the motivation for change in route of administration during the course of opioid abuse. Oral ingestion of intact pills is the most frequently reported route of misuse and abuse for many prescription opioids, but alternative routes of administration (RoA) such as intranasal and intravenous are also common. Traditionally, the opioid misuse or abuse pathway has been described as follows: an initial oral opioid exposure in a genetically susceptible person induces a "high" or euphoric feeling, which may then trigger a desire to intensify the euphoric effect through chewing pills, snorting, or injecting the opioid. No research has evaluated the motivation for these changes in RoA over the course of opioid abuse. Dr. McCaffrey et. al studied adult patients entering an opioid abuse treatment center with the purpose of understanding the natural history of opioid abuse and motivation for changes in RoA. The data regarding motivations for changing RoA include:

• 75% of the patients began prescription opioid abuse by swallowing pills intact, and 80% of those patients progressed to chewing, snorting, or injecting during the course of their abuse;
• Euphoria was the most common motive for change in RoA from oral to more dangerous, non-oral routes;
• Nearly all (92.3%) "achieved desired effect" motivation statements were associated with a progression from swallowing to a more dangerous RoA;
• Most (80.0%) patients reporting social influences motivation began their abuse as "recreational abusers" (i.e., without a legitimate prescription written for them by a physician); and
• The majority (83.0%) of "social influences: pressure/encouragement" motivation statements were associated with transitioning to a more dangerous RoA.

The following posters were presented yesterday, including the two discussed above, during the PAINWeek 2017 poster session from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm PT:

• The Relationship Between the Pharmacokinetics of Morphine Abuse-Deterrent, Extended-Release, Injection-Molded Tablets and Pharmacodynamic Outcomes in Oral and Intranasal Human Abuse Potential Studies. Authors: Ben Vaughn, MS, Colville Brown, MD, John Lawler, BS, Karsten Lindhardt, MSc, PhD, DBE, Gwendolyn Niebler, DO, Jeffrey M. Dayno, MD.
• Motivation for Change in Route of Administration during the Course of Opioid Abuse. Authors: Stacey McCaffrey, PhD, ; Kelly Manser, BA, ; Colville Brown, MD, ; Gwendolyn Nieber, DO.
• A Responders Analysis of Morphine Abuse-Deterrent, Extended Release, Injection-Molded Tablets in Oral and Intranasal Human Abuse Potential Studies. Author: Lynn R. Webster, MD, Michael D. Smith, PharmD, Ben Vaughn, MS, Colville Brown, MD, John Lawler, BS, Karsten Lindhardt, MSc, PhD, DBE, Gwendolyn Niebler, DO, Jeffrey M. Dayno, MD.
• A Harm Reduction Model to Quantify Potential Misuse/Abuse Reduction and Abuse Related Events Avoided from Abuse Deterrent Opioids. Authors: Alan White, PhD; Tim Spittle BS; Gwendolyn Niebler, DO; Jeffrey Dayno, MD; Colville Brown, MD, Nathaniel Katz, MD, MS.
• Bioequivalence of Immediate-Release (IR) Oxycodone with Aversion Technology Compared with a Non–Abuse-Discouraging Formulation of IR Oxycodone. Authors: Sean Gill, MA, John Lawler, BS, Gwendolyn Niebler, DO, Colville Brown, MD, Jeffrey M. Dayno, MD.

About ARYMO ER
ARYMO ER was developed for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. ARYMO ER is the first approved product developed using Egalet's proprietary Guardian™ Technology—a physical and chemical barrier approach to abuse deterrence without the use of an opioid antagonist—creating tablets that are difficult to manipulate for the purpose of misuse and abuse. Results from in vitro testing demonstrated that ARYMO ER tablets, in comparison to non-abuse-deterrent morphine sulfate extended-release tablets, have increased resistance to cutting, crushing, grinding or breaking using a variety of tools. Due to its physical and chemical properties, ARYMO ER is expected to make abuse by injection difficult. Abuse of ARYMO ER by injection, as well as by the oral and nasal routes, is still possible. Please see important safety information on ARYMO ER below.

About Egalet
Egalet, a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company, is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative treatments for pain and other conditions. Egalet has three approved products: ARYMO^® ER (morphine sulfate) extended-release tablets for oral use —CII, developed using Egalets proprietary Guardian™ Technology, OXAYDO^® (oxycodone HCI, USP) tablets for oral use only –CII and SPRIX^® (ketorolac tromethamine) Nasal Spray. Using Guardian Technology, Egalet is developing a pipeline of clinical-stage, product candidates including Egalet-002, an abuse-deterrent, extended-release, oral oxycodone formulation for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Guardian Technology can be applied broadly across different classes of pharmaceutical products and can be used to develop combination products that include multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients with similar or different release profiles. For full prescribing information on ARYMO ER, including the boxed warning and medication guide, please visit arymoer.com. For full prescribing information on SPRIX, including the boxed warning and medication guide, please visit sprix.com. For full prescribing information on OXAYDO, including the boxed warning and medication guide, please visit oxaydo.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ARYMO ER
 

Indications

ARYMO ER is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Limitations of Use

• Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release opioid formulations, reserve ARYMO ER for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
• ARYMO ER is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic.

Contraindications

ARYMO ER is contraindicated in patients with:  significant respiratory depression; acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment; concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within the last 14 days, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus; hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to morphine.

Warnings and Precautions

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: ARYMO ER contains morphine, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, ARYMO ER exposes its users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. As extended-release products such as ARYMO ER deliver the opioid over an extended period of time, there is a greater risk for overdose and death due to the larger amount of morphine present.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of ARYMO ER, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases with ARYMO ER.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of ARYMO ER are essential. Overestimating the ARYMO ER dose when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose.

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of ARYMO ER, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of morphine.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Prolonged use of ARYMO ER during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants: Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of ARYMO ER with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: The use of ARYMO ER in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.

Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease: ARYMO ER-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive including apnea, even at recommended dosages of ARYMO ER.

Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients.

Monitor such patients closely, particularly when initiating and titrating ARYMO ER and when ARYMO ER is given concomitantly with other drugs that depress respiration. Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may potentiate the effects of morphine, including respiratory depression, coma, and confusion. ARYMO ER should not be used in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.

Adrenal Insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

Severe Hypotension: ARYMO ER may cause severe hypotension including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is an increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g., phenothiazines or general anesthetics). Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dose of ARYMO ER. In patients with circulatory shock, ARYMO ER may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Avoid the use ARYMO ER in patients with circulatory shock.

Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness: In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO₂ retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), ARYMO ER may reduce respiratory drive, and the resultant CO₂ retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with ARYMO ER.

Opioids may also obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. Avoid the use of ARYMO ER in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Difficulty in Swallowing and Risk for Obstruction in Patients at Risk for a Small Gastrointestinal Lumen: Moistened ARYMO ER tablets may become sticky leading to difficulty in swallowing the tablets. Patients could experience choking, gagging, regurgitation and tablets stuck in the throat. Instruct patients not to pre-soak, lick, or otherwise wet ARYMO ER tablets prior to placing in the mouth, and to take one tablet at a time with enough water to ensure complete swallowing immediately after placing in the mouth.

Tablet stickiness and swelling may also predispose patients to intestinal obstruction and exacerbation of diverticulitis. Patients with underlying GI disorders such as esophageal cancer or colon cancer with a small gastrointestinal lumen are at greater risk of developing these complications. Consider use of an alternative analgesic in patients who have difficulty swallowing and patients at risk for underlying GI disorders resulting in a small gastrointestinal lumen.

Risks of Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions: ARYMO ER is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. The morphine in ARYMO ER may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may cause increases in the serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worsening symptoms.

Increased Risk of Seizures in Patients with Seizure Disorders: The morphine in ARYMO ER may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, and may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during ARYMO ER therapy.

Withdrawal: Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who have received or are receiving a course of therapy with a full opioid agonist analgesic, including ARYMO ER. In these patients, mixed agonists/antagonist and partial agonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

When discontinuing ARYMO ER, gradually taper the dose. Do not abruptly discontinue ARYMO ER.

Risks of Driving and Operating Machinery: ARYMO ER may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients not to drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of ARYMO ER and know how they will react to the medication.

Adverse Reactions

In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions with morphine sulfate extended-release formulations were constipation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, and euphoric mood.

Additional Drug Interactions

Serotonergic Drugs: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome.

Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: May reduce the analgesic effect of ARYMO ER and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms; avoid concomitant use.

Muscle Relaxants: Morphine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.

Cimetidine: The concomitant use of cimetidine can potentiate morphine effects and increase risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Diuretics: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.

Anticholinergic Drugs: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors: The concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors can increase the exposure to morphine by about two-fold and can increase risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Use in Specific Populations

Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

Geriatrics: The pharmacokinetics of ARYMO ER have not been studied in elderly patients. Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to morphine.

Hepatic Impairment: Morphine pharmacokinetics have been reported to be significantly altered in patients with cirrhosis. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of ARYMO ER and titrate slowly while monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension.

Renal Impairment: Morphine pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal failure. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of ARYMO ER and titrate slowly while monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension.

Overdosage

Acute overdosage with morphine can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to severe hypoxia in overdose situations.

Safe Harbor
Statements included in this press release (including but not limited to upcoming milestones) that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the success of Egalet's clinical trials, including the timely recruitment of trial subjects and meeting the timelines therefor; Egalet's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of Egalet's products and  product candidates and any regulatory action involving Egalet's products; Egalet's ability to maintain the intellectual property position of Egalet's products and product candidates; Egalet's ability to identify and reliance upon qualified third parties to manufacture its products; Egalet's ability to service its debt obligations; Egalet's ability to find and hire qualified sales professionals; the receptivity in the marketplace and among physicians to Egalet's products; the success of products which compete with Egalet's that are or become available; general market conditions; and other risk factors described in Egalet's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Egalet assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking-statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required by law.

Investor and Media Contact:
E. Blair Clark-Schoeb
Senior Vice President, Communications
Email: bcs@egalet.com
Tel: 484-259-7370

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SOURCE Egalet Corporation