The patent covers a long acting depot formulation that enables monthly rather than daily treatment regimens for MS patients
Ness Ziona, Israel, May 6, 2013 —- Mapi Pharma Ltd. (Mapi), developer of complex bulk Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), generic and innovative intermediates, and finished dosage forms based on selected drug delivery systems, announced today that the company has been granted a United States patent for a long acting depot formulation of glatiramer acetate. The formulation is under development as a once-a-month treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The existing glatiramer acetate dosage form on the market today requires daily administrations (by injection).
US Patent number 8,377,885 B2 is titled Depot Systems Comprising Glatiramer or Pharmacologically Acceptable Salt Thereof. The glatiramer acetate depot formulation described therein is to be injected once-a-month under the skin or into a muscle for a prolonged release of the therapeutic agent.
“It is a bright day both for MS patients and Mapi Pharma. Today’s news strengthens Mapi’s patent position, supports its business plan and advances the company one step closer to bringing MS patients an improved drug to be administered once-a-month,” said Mapi Pharma President & CEO Mr. Ehud Marom.
MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness in the limbs, paralysis and loss of vision. Symptoms are unpredictable and differ from one person to another. The global market for MS pharmaceuticals is estimated to be approximately US $10 billion.
About Mapi-Pharma
Mapi Pharma (Mapi) is an international pharmaceutical company specializing in complex bulk Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), generic and innovative intermediates, high development barrier generics and novel finished dosage forms based on selected drug delivery systems. Mapi is built on strong chemical and pharmaceutical R&D capabilities, a deep understanding of the global market and of regulatory needs and its ability to foster local cooperation and enduring relationships in all of the countries in which it is present. Mapi is dedicated to providing generic and innovative intermediates & APIs as well as developing finished dosage forms – either to Mapi’s internal API program, as a vertically integrated company, or generic, to other leading brands. Mapi is headquartered in Israel. It has R&D facilities in Israel, China and Germany and is currently building an API manufacturing site in Neot Hovav, Israel’s designated chemical park. The company has a strong IP position, filing more than 20 patent applications for APIs and formulations in less than three years of operation. For more information: www.mapi-pharma.com.
Press Contact:
Marjie Hadad
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Mapi Pharma
marjie@mapi-pharma.com
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