Depomed's reflux disease compound shows improved absorption in phase 1 trial

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 15 - Depomed, Inc. said data from its recently completed phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the delivery and absorption of a compound currently used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) demonstrated both an absorption and bioavailability profile, which provided clear criteria to design Depomed's controlled-release formulation of the drug for improved therapy.

The phase 1 clinical trial was conducted in healthy volunteers to evaluate specific pharmacokinetic and absorption behavior of the drug compound once it is in the gastrointestinal tract.

"This is an exciting new program which we believe is ready to advance into later stage clinical development. GERD is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder which affects millions of people. We believe that our drug-delivery approach for this compound may specifically address nocturnal acid breakthrough, a condition which current agents do not adequately address," vice president of product development and chief scientific officer Bret Berner said in a news release.

The current market size for GERD treatments is estimated at more than $10 billion per year, the release said.

The company will start a phase 2a clinical trial for the GERD program later this fall.

Depomed is a specialty pharmaceutical company located in Menlo Park, Calif.

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