Positive study data from Zosano Pharma's ZP-PTH transdermal patch for treating osteoporosis

Zosano Pharma, Inc., a privately held pharmaceutical company developing products using a novel transdermal delivery technology, announced publication in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism of results from a positive phase 2 study of its rapid-delivery transdermal patch (ZP-PTH) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The study by authors Felicia Cosman, Nancy E. Lane, Michael A. Bolognese, Jose R. Zanchetta, Pedro A. Garcia-Hernandez, Karen Sees, James A. Matriano, Kim Gaumer, and Peter E. Daddona is titled “Effect of Transdermal Teriparatide Administration on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.” The article is currently available online and will be in the January 2010 issue.

In the 165-patient study, the authors concluded that daily administration of ZP-PTH (teriparatide) for 24 weeks resulted in a significant gain in bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine over placebo (p<0.001) and that the 40 mcg coated transdermal patch increased total hip BMD compared to both placebo and FORTEO® 20 mcg subcutaneous injection (p<0.05).

“We are pleased to have the study published in this highly respected peer-reviewed journal and are encouraged that ZP-PTH has demonstrated gains in lumbar spine bone mineral density relative to FORTEO^®,” commented Gail Schulze, Zosano’s board chair and CEO, “ZP-PTH combines an established bone forming agent, with Zosano’s rapid-delivery, user-friendly microprojection patch technology, and can offer patients an alternative to daily injections in a safe, effective and convenient treatment for osteoporosis. We continue to lay the groundwork for our pivotal phase 3 clinical study and in parallel are advancing a number of strategic partnering discussions.”