XenoPort intends to initiate Phase 3 XP19986 trial for multiple sclerosis

XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq:XNPT) announced today that it plans to move arbaclofen placarbil (AP), also known as XP19986, into Phase 3 development as a potential treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), XenoPort intends to conduct a single placebo-controlled Phase 3 efficacy clinical trial and an open-label, long-term, safety study of AP in patients with MS. Favorable results from these studies could lead to the filing of a new drug application (NDA) with the FDA under Section 505(b)(2) seeking approval of AP for the treatment of spasticity.

Ronald W. Barrett, chief executive officer of XenoPort, stated, "In our previous Phase 2 clinical trial in spinal cord injury patients with spasticity, AP was well tolerated and demonstrated dose-dependent improvement in muscle tone that was maintained throughout the twelve-hour dosing interval. We hope to demonstrate similar results in our Phase 3 trial of AP in MS patients with spasticity."

Randall Schapiro, M.D., Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota and President of the Schapiro Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Group, stated, "Available treatments do not fully address the needs of MS patients with spasticity. Baclofen is often used in these patients, but its short duration of action and central nervous system side effects can result in sub-optimal therapy. A new oral medicine that could maintain efficacy with limited adverse events would be a welcome addition to the spasticity treatment armamentarium."

XenoPort intends to initiate this Phase 3 clinical program in the first half of 2011. The pivotal trial would be a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of AP as a treatment for spasticity in MS patients. Patients who complete this study would have the option to enter a long-term study to evaluate the safety of AP in MS patients. Following successful outcomes from these studies, XenoPort would file an NDA with the FDA using the 505(b)(2) application process. The 505(b)(2) application would enable XenoPort to reference published literature and the FDA's previous finding of safety and effectiveness for baclofen, a drug that has been approved by the FDA for the alleviation of signs and symptoms of spasticity resulting from MS.

Source : XenoPort