BLUE BELL, Pa., Aug. 20 PA-TheraQuest-present
BLUE BELL, Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- TheraQuest Biosciences, Inc. a
development stage pain management company is presenting data today on TQ-1019,
its proprietary topical local anesthetic and on SECUREL(R), its abuse
deterrent technology at the World Congress on Pain in Glasgow, Scotland.
TheraQuest will present four posters, three on the topical application of
TQ-1019 and one on its abuse deterrent extended release SECUREL(R) technology.
Studies with TheraQuest's proprietary TQ-1019 demonstrate that topical
application provides rapid onset and sustained efficacy in animal models of
painful HIV-neuropathy due to the HIV viral envelope protein, gp 120 and the
antiretroviral drug, ddC (zalcitabine). Both gp120 and antiretroviral drugs
such as ddC have been implicated in painful HIV-associated peripheral
neuropathy.
Studies with TheraQuest's proprietary abuse deterrent sustained release
(SECUREL(R)) dosage forms demonstrate significant tamper resistance to
crushing, grinding, dissolving, melting, needle aspiration, filtration and
solvent extraction. All four prototype SECUREL(R) dosage forms were
significantly more tamper resistant when compared with sustained release
oxycodone (OxyContin(R)). In human bioavailability studies, all four
SECUREL(R) prototypes demonstrated a robust sustained release delivery
capability.
Najib Babul, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of TheraQuest stated,
"TheraQuest is pleased to be presenting peer-review data on our pain
management compounds at the World Congress on Pain, a premier scientific venue
which brings together basic and clinical scientists."
About TQ-1019
TQ-1019 is an investigational amino amide class topical local anesthetic
being developed for the treatment of painful HIV neuropathy and postherpetic
neuralgia.
HIV infection and HIV medications are both associated with the development
of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Symptoms include pain, burning sensations
and numbness of the extremities, which are similar to the neuropathies seen
with diabetes. At this time, no drug is approved for painful HIV-associated
neuropathy.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic, debilitating neuropathic pain
syndrome that occurs as a complication of shingles or herpes zoster infection.
The pain of PHN is unrelenting and is often described as burning, stabbing or
aching. Patients frequently fail to obtain complete pain relief with existing
treatments or develop troublesome side effects.
About SECUREL(R)
Recent experience with some long-acting opioid pain relievers has shown
that intentional crushing or extraction of the active ingredient from the
formulation by addicts and recreational drug users can destroy the
timed-release mechanism and result in a rapid surge of drug into the
bloodstream. Serious side-effects and death have been reported from such
misuse.
SECUREL(R) is TheraQuest's proprietary abuse deterrent extended release
technology. It cannot be easily crushed for inhalation or to obtain rapid
euphoria from high blood levels when swallowed. It is also be exceedingly
difficult for I.V. abusers to extract the active drug from the formulation
using common solvents, including alcohol.
About TheraQuest
TheraQuest Biosciences, Inc. ( www.theraquestinc.com ) is a private,
development-stage pain management company building a diversified portfolio of
pharmaceutical products to address a critical area of unmet medical need.
Despite their limitations, current treatments for acute and chronic pain yield
worldwide sales in excess of $30 billion. The TheraQuest team has contributed
to the development of numerous analgesics approved in the U.S. over the past
20 years. TheraQuest's strategy is to use its expertise to identify, develop
and commercialize product candidates with strong market potential that have
lower development costs and reduced regulatory risk than new chemical
entities. TheraQuest is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
TheraQuest is funded in part by BioAdvance, the Biotechnology Greenhouse
of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of
Southeastern Pennsylvania.
SECUREL(R) and OxyContin(R) are registered trademarks of TheraQuest
Biosciences, Inc., and Purdue Pharma LP, respectively.
SOURCE TheraQuest Biosciences, Inc.
