Melt Pharmaceuticals Completes Phase 1 Study for Sublingual, Non-Opioid Pain and Sedation Drug Candidate

Rhea-AI Summary

Melt Pharmaceuticals announced positive results from its Phase 1 MELT study, which evaluated the pharmacokinetic parameters of its novel midazolam and ketamine formulation. The study met its objectives, demonstrating good tolerance and relative bioavailability. The company plans to meet with the FDA to finalize its clinical protocol and commence a Phase 2 study in the third quarter of 2021, targeting cataract surgery patients. If approved, this non-opioid and IV-free option could significantly change pain management during surgeries.

Positive

• Successful Phase 1 study results establishing relative bioavailability.
• Well-tolerated formulation potentially reducing opioid reliance.
• Plans to begin Phase 2 clinical study targeting the cataract surgery market.

Negative

• None.

Company Expects to Begin Phase 2 Clinical Study in the Third Quarter of 2021

BOSTON, Feb. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melt Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines for sedation and analgesia, announced results from its MELT Phase 1 study, a comparative bioavailability study with the objective of characterizing the pharmacokinetic parameters of two dosage strengths of the patented MELT technology (midazolam 3 mg/ketamine 25 mg and midazolam 6 mg/ketamine 50 mg) in healthy volunteers and comparing it to IV-administered formulations of both midazolam and ketamine.

“We are pleased with the results of our Phase 1 MELT study, which marks another important milestone for the Company,” said Greg Madison, CEO of Melt Pharmaceuticals. “The data established relative bioavailability and important pharmacokinetic parameters, including characterizing absorption rates following administration. Importantly, MELT was well tolerated by patients. With the Phase 1 study successfully meeting its objectives, in the coming months, we look forward to meeting with the FDA, finalizing our clinical protocol in patients undergoing cataract surgery, and initiating the Phase 2 clinical study in the third quarter of 2021.”

“Recent estimates are that more than 50% of the over four million annual cataract surgeries in the U.S. involve patients being exposed to opioids to manage pain,” added Maggie Jeffries, M.D., Board Certified Anesthesiologist, Eye Center of Texas, and Partner at Avanti Anesthesia. “If FDA approved, the potential for a pain-free, IV-free, opioid-free option for sedation and analgesia in cataract surgery is dramatic, providing benefits to patients and clinicians alike as we reduce our reliance on opioids.”

About MELT
MELT is a patented combination of midazolam and ketamine in a rapidly dissolving, sublingual tablet to provide sedation and analgesia for patients undergoing cataract surgery. This needle-free and opioid-free approach seeks to replace the current practice of IV-delivered sedation medication for patients. Melt is being developed in partnership with Catalent using its proprietary Zydis® orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) technology to create a freeze-dried tablet that disperses almost instantly in the mouth without water.

About Melt Pharmaceuticals
Melt Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of patented non-intravenous and non-opioid sedation and analgesia medicines for short-duration medical procedures in outpatient and in-office settings. Melt’s core technology is a series of combination non-opioid sedation drug formulations that may replace or supplement current sedation modalities for more than 100 million medical procedures in the United States. Melt Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was carved out of Harrow Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: HROW) in 2019. To learn more about Melt, please visit their website, www.meltpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts may be considered such “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially and adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted include our ability to make commercially available our compounded formulations and technologies in a timely manner or at all; physician interest in prescribing our formulations; risks related to our compounding pharmacy operations; our ability to enter into other strategic alliances, including arrangements with pharmacies, physicians and healthcare organizations for the development and distribution of our formulations; our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our assets; our ability to accurately estimate our expenses and cash burn, and raise additional funds when necessary; risks related to research and development activities; the projected size of the potential market for our technologies and formulations; unexpected new data, safety and technical issues; regulatory and market developments impacting compounding pharmacies, outsourcing facilities and the pharmaceutical industry; competition; and market conditions. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, Melt Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Zydis® and all other trademarks, service marks and trade names included or referenced in this press release, are the property of their respective owners.

Investor Contact:
Greg Madison
gmadison@meltpharma.com

FAQ

What were the results of the recent Phase 1 study by Melt Pharmaceuticals?

The Phase 1 study showed successful results in establishing pharmacokinetic parameters and good tolerance of the MELT formulation.

When is the Phase 2 clinical study expected to begin for Melt Pharmaceuticals?

The company anticipates starting the Phase 2 clinical study in the third quarter of 2021.

What is the significance of the MELT formulation in cataract surgery?

The MELT formulation aims to provide a pain-free, IV-free, opioid-free sedation option for cataract surgery patients.

How could Melt's MELT formulation impact opioid use in surgeries?

If approved, the MELT formulation could significantly reduce the reliance on opioids during cataract surgeries.

What is the purpose of Melt Pharmaceuticals' clinical studies?

The clinical studies aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MELT as a non-opioid sedation and analgesia option for medical procedures.