Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AzaSite(TM) (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Inspire anticipates launching AzaSite in the latter part of the third quarter of 2007 and expects to generate $30 - $45 million in sales in the 2008 calendar year based on current manufacturing and commercial plans.
AzaSite will offer patients a reduced dosing regimen compared to other currently available products for bacterial conjunctivitis. The recommended dosing regimen for AzaSite is one drop twice-a-day for two days, followed by one drop once-a-day for the next five days, for a total of nine drops in the affected eye.
In two Phase 3 clinical studies, AzaSite met the primary efficacy endpoint of clinical resolution in patients with confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis. Clinical resolution was defined as the absence of ocular discharge, bulbar conjunctival injection, and palpebral conjunctival injection. The most common adverse event in patients receiving AzaSite was eye irritation, which occurred in 1-2% of patients.
Inspire acquired exclusive rights to commercialize AzaSite for ocular infections in the United States and Canada from InSite Vision Incorporated in February 2007. AzaSite is azithromycin ophthalmic solution formulated in DuraSite(R), a novel ocular drug delivery system developed by InSite Vision. The product has patent coverage until 2019. Inspire will provide revised 2007 financial guidance in its first quarter 2007 financial results release on May 9th, incorporating estimated changes in 2007 revenues and expenses based on the upcoming AzaSite launch.
Terrence P. O'Brien, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami, commented, "AzaSite is a significant new ophthalmic product for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. This unique formulation of the well-known, broad-spectrum antibiotic azithromycin results in a convenient topical dosing regimen, requiring less than half the number of drops for effective treatment compared to currently available products. These attributes are particularly important when treating young children and busy adults."
Christy L. Shaffer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Inspire, stated, "This is a very exciting time for Inspire as we build on our expertise in ophthalmology with the anticipated commercial launch of AzaSite. To take advantage of this opportunity, we are expanding our existing sales force to a total of 98 representatives who will call on targeted specialists and select pediatricians and primary care providers. This expansion will also help position us for potential future launches of products in our pipeline."
Inspire will discuss this announcement during a conference call scheduled for 9:00 a.m. ET on April 30, 2007. To access the conference call, U.S. participants may call (888) 243-6208 and international participants may call (973) 582-2869. The conference ID number is 8745321. A live webcast and replay of the call will be available on Inspire's website at www.inspirepharm.com. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available until May 14, 2007. To access this replay, U.S. participants may call (877) 519-4471 and international participants may call (973) 341-3080. The conference ID number is 8745321.
Important Safety Information
AzaSite(TM) (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by the following organisms: CDC coryneform group G, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis group, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. The recommended dosing regimen for the product is one drop twice-a-day for two days, followed by one drop once-a-day for the next five days, for a total of nine drops per affected eye. AzaSite should not be injected subconjunctivally or introduced directly into the anterior chamber of the eye or otherwise administered systemically. In clinical trials, the most common adverse event in patients receiving AzaSite was eye irritation, which occurred in 1-2% of patients.
About Azithromycin
Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that is derived from erythromycin and has been available in an oral form under the trade name Zithromax(R) by Pfizer Inc. since 1992. Azithromycin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the United States, with an excellent safety and efficacy profile that is most notable for its once-a-day dosing feature.
About Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common ocular surface microbial infection characterized by inflammation of the conjunctivae, which are the mucous membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the inner side of the eyelids. The infection, which is common in children, may be contagious and generally accompanied by irritation, itching, foreign body sensation, watering, mucus discharge and redness. The most common bacterial species associated with acute conjunctivitis are Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pnuemoniae, and Staphylococcus species.
About Inspire
Inspire is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products in disease areas with significant commercial potential and unmet medical needs. Inspire employs a U.S. sales force for the promotion of AzaSite(TM) (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% for bacterial conjunctivitis, Elestat(R) (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) 0.05% for allergic conjunctivitis and Restasis(R) (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for dry eye. Inspire is focused on the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology and respiratory/allergy, and is developing products for dry eye, cystic fibrosis, allergic rhinitis and glaucoma. Elestat and Restasis are trademarks owned by Allergan, Inc. AzaSite and DuraSite(R) are trademarks owned by InSite Vision Incorporated. For more information, visit www.inspirepharm.com.
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