Karessa – new research and development area
Karessa Pharma Holding AB (Publ) has received an exclusive license from Uppsalagruppen Medical AB for development of preparations within the benzodiazepine group based on the patented transbuccal drug delivery platform. The objective is with limited contributions develop a prioritized product including preclinical phase, thereafter, finalizing agreements with partners for further development. This means the company will expand to further development area except erectile dysfunction.
New area - A wide global market
The development will start with midazolam, a pharmaceutical with wide usage in several medical areas. Midazolam is used in several indications where a quick and safe effect is of great value, e.g. to treat epileptic seizures in children, calming and anxiolytic effects in connection to dentist visits and before minor operations.
These areas have a wide and huge global market where Karessa midazolam with the unique and convenient administration with a direct and fast absorption from the oral cavity to the bloodstream may achieve a great medical need and at the same time resulting in major commercial benefits to the company. The global children epileptic market only estimated to double the next five years from present 3 billion dollars.(1)
The development will start immediately with formulation work. During the first quarter 2019 a planned stabile formulation will enter a preclinical phase. The results will decide the next steps including further development work with international partners.
Karessa sees this new area as a very important and positive commercial step to the next phase in development of pharmaceuticals based on the unique platform achieving a major medical need for fast, effective and safe treatment of diseases.
The agreement with Uppsalagruppen Medical AB means that Karessa Pharma Holding AB will have an exclusive license during a period of 20 years for usage of substance class bensodiazepines including 32 molecules. Further conditions in the agreement including a royalty of 4 % to Uppsalagruppen Medical AB based on net results of all future sales of products covered in the agreement.
The patented trans buccal drug delivery platform
This is a Swedish development where the pharmaceutical is administered via a platform similar to a stamp when placed in the buccal mucosa will dissolve during 3-4 minutes releasing the pharmaceutical which is absorbed direct to the bloodstream. It results in a fast, effective and safe distribution of pharmaceuticals, especially in indications where quick relief is prioritized. Today there is no similar product in the market, which means major commercial possibilities for Karessa.
1 Global Data 2018
This information is information that Karessa Pharma Holding AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08.00 CET on 28 December 2018.
For more information, please contact:
Mats Nilsson, VD Karessa Pharma Holding AB (publ)
Tel: +46 (0)8-768 22 33
E-mail: mats.nilsson@karessa.se
About Karessa Pharma Holding AB
Karessa is a Swedish pharmaceutical company with the goal of developing products based on a patented drug delivery platform with direct absorption of active substances from the oral cavity to the bloodstream. The first development area for Karessa is drugs in erectile dysfunction.