Endo's Paladin Labs Announces Launch of XCOPRI® (cenobamate tablets) in Canada

Rhea-AI Summary

Paladin Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Endo International plc, announced the availability of XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) in Canada for the management of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. The drug received favorable recommendations for public reimbursement in 2023 and the company is working with government payers to ensure patient access.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The introduction of XCOPRI® (cenobamate tablets) into the Canadian market by Paladin Labs represents a significant development within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The drug's indication for partial-onset seizures, which are a common form of epilepsy, addresses a substantial patient population that may not have been adequately served by existing therapies. From a medical research perspective, the efficacy and safety profile of cenobamate will be of interest, particularly in comparison to existing adjunctive therapies for epilepsy.

In terms of market dynamics, the entry of XCOPRI may influence the competitive landscape, potentially affecting the market shares of other antiepileptic drugs. It's also worth noting that the drug's reception by the medical community and its integration into treatment protocols will depend on long-term outcomes and real-world effectiveness studies. The favourable recommendations for public reimbursement by CADTH and INESSS are crucial, as they suggest a positive assessment of the drug's cost-effectiveness and therapeutic value.

Healthcare Economist

The availability of XCOPRI in Canada has implications for healthcare economics. The negotiation with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance indicates a strategic approach to pricing and reimbursement, which is critical for ensuring patient access while managing the financial sustainability of public health programs. The successful reimbursement of new medications like XCOPRI can lead to increased healthcare expenditures; however, if the drug proves to reduce the frequency of seizures more effectively than existing treatments, it could result in overall cost savings by reducing hospitalizations and other medical costs associated with poorly controlled epilepsy.

Additionally, the economic impact extends to productivity gains for individuals who may achieve better seizure control with XCOPRI, potentially translating to improved quality of life and economic participation. The long-term economic analysis will need to consider these factors alongside the direct costs of the drug to fully understand its impact on the Canadian healthcare system.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research standpoint, the launch of XCOPRI by Paladin Labs is noteworthy due to the potential market penetration strategies and the drug's positioning within the epilepsy treatment paradigm. Understanding the target demographics, the size of the addressable market and the barriers to adoption will be key in forecasting the commercial success of XCOPRI. Market acceptance will likely hinge on factors such as the perceived advantages of XCOPRI over other adjunctive treatments, the effectiveness of Paladin Labs' marketing efforts and the support from healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, monitoring post-launch sales data, prescription trends and market share evolution will provide insights into the drug's performance. It's also important to consider the role of patient advocacy groups and epilepsy foundations in raising awareness and potentially influencing treatment preferences. The strategic partnerships and educational initiatives Paladin Labs undertakes could significantly impact the uptake of XCOPRI in the Canadian market.

MONTREAL, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Paladin Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ), announced today that XCOPRI^® (cenobamate tablets) is now available in Canada. XCOPRI is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the management of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy.

"We are pleased to announce the availability of XCOPRI in Canada," said Livio Di Francesco, Vice President & General Manager of Paladin Labs Inc. "As a company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs, we are committed to supporting the ongoing innovation in epilepsy management."

XCOPRI received favourable recommendations for public reimbursement from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) and the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) in 2023. Paladin Labs continues to work with federal, provincial, and territorial government payers across Canada and their negotiating body, the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, to help appropriate patients gain access to XCOPRI as soon as possible.

About Epilepsy^1-3
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting ~300,000 Canadians. It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. While there are many different types of seizures, they can be grouped into two broad categories – generalized seizures and focal seizures – based on where in the brain the seizure activity starts. Focal seizures (also called partial-onset seizures) affect ~60% of people with epilepsy. While many people with epilepsy respond to anti-seizure medication, ~30% of patients continue to experience seizures, despite treatment with currently available medication options.

About XCOPRI
XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the management of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy. It is taken orally, once daily.⁴ 

XCOPRI is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) discovered and developed by SK Biopharmaceuticals and SK Life Science. It is a novel molecule with a dual mechanism of action. In pre-clinical studies, XCOPRI has been demonstrated to reduce repetitive neuronal firing by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium currents. It is also a modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) ion channel.^4-6 The efficacy and safety of XCOPRI for the treatment of adults with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures (also known as focal-onset seizures) were assessed in two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (C013 and C017).^5,6 The long-term safety of cenobamate in this population has been studied in an open-label safety study (C021).⁷

During Studies C013 and C017, a total of 441 patients were exposed to XCOPRI. In both studies, the primary efficacy endpoint was median percent reduction from baseline in seizure frequency per 28 days. The key secondary endpoint was responder rates, defined as the proportion of patients with 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. XCOPRI significantly reduced seizure frequency and demonstrated a significantly higher ≥50% responder rate compared to placebo.

Consult the Product Monograph for complete efficacy and safety information.

Cenobamate is currently marketed in the U.S. as XCOPRI^® and in Europe under the trademark ONTOZRY^®.

About Endo International plc and Paladin Labs
Endo (OTC: ENDPQ) is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to helping everyone we serve live their best life through the delivery of quality, life-enhancing therapies. Our decades of proven success come from passionate team members around the globe collaborating to bring treatments forward. Together, we boldly transform insights into treatments benefiting those who need them, when they need them. Learn more at www.endo.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. 

Paladin Labs Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring or in-licensing innovative pharmaceutical products for the Canadian market. Paladin has a focused marketing, medical, and sales organization that has helped it evolve into one of Canada's leading specialty pharmaceutical companies. Paladin is an operating company of Endo International plc. For more information visit www.paladin-labs.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation including, but not limited to, the statements by Mr. Di Francesco, any statements relating to product efficacy, regulatory approvals, expected launch dates, potential treatments or indications, therapeutic outcomes or treatment responses, and any statements that refer to expected, estimated or anticipated future results or that do not relate solely to historical facts. Statements including words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "look forward," "intend," "guidance," "future," "potential" or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this communication reflect the Company's current views as of the date of this communication about its plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to it and on assumptions it has made. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from current expectations based on a number of factors, including, among other things, the outcome of the Company's contingency planning and restructuring activities; the timing, impact or results of any pending or future litigation, investigations, proceedings or claims, including opioid, tax and antitrust related matters; any actual or contingent liabilities; settlement discussions or negotiations; the Company's liquidity, financial performance, cash position and operations; the risks and uncertainties associated with chapter 11 proceedings; the time, terms and ability to confirm a sale of the Company's businesses under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; the risk that the Company's chapter 11 cases may be converted to cases under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code; the adequacy of the capital resources of the Company's businesses and the difficulty in forecasting the liquidity requirements of the operations of the Company's businesses; the unpredictability of the Company's financial results; the Company's ability to discharge claims in chapter 11 proceedings; negotiations with the holders of the Company's indebtedness and its trade creditors and other significant creditors; the risks and uncertainties with performing under the terms of the restructuring support agreement and any other arrangement with lenders or creditors while in chapter 11 proceedings; the performance, including the approval, introduction, and consumer and physician acceptance of new products and the continuing acceptance of currently marketed products; and the Company's ability to obtain and successfully manufacture, maintain and distribute a sufficient supply of products to meet market demand in a timely manner. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required to do so by law. 

Additional information concerning risk factors, including those referenced above, can be found in press releases issued by the Company, as well as the Company's public periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and with securities regulators in Canada, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

References:

1. Canadian Epilepsy Alliance. https://www.canadianepilepsyalliance.org/about-epilepsy/. Accessed November 27, 2023.
2. Public Health Agency of Canada. Epilepsy in Canada. 2021. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/64-03-17-2021-Epilepsy-in-Canada-EN-FINAL.pdf. Accessed November 27, 2023.
3. Epilepsy Canada. https://www.epilepsy.ca/what-is-epilepsy. Accessed November 27, 2023.
4. XCOPRI Product Monograph. Paladin Labs Inc. June 12, 2023. 
5. Chung SS, et al. Neurology. 2020;94:e2311-e2322.
6. Krauss GL, et al. Lancet Neurol. 2020;19:38-48.
7. Sperling MR, et al. Epilepsia. 2020;61(6):1099-1108.

 

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SOURCE Endo International plc

FAQ

What is the indication for XCOPRI tablets?

XCOPRI is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the management of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy.

Who is the parent company of Paladin Labs Inc.?

The parent company of Paladin Labs Inc. is Endo International plc, with the ticker symbol ENDPQ.

What favorable recommendations did XCOPRI receive in 2023?

XCOPRI received favorable recommendations for public reimbursement from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) and the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) in 2023.

With whom is Paladin Labs Inc. working to ensure patient access to XCOPRI?

Paladin Labs Inc. is working with federal, provincial, and territorial government payers across Canada and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance to help appropriate patients gain access to XCOPRI as soon as possible.