IntelGenx Announces Market Launch of RIZAPORT® in Spain

Rhea-AI Summary

IntelGenx Corp. (TSX V:IGX)(OTCQB:IGXT) announced the launch of RIZAPORT® in Spain, its proprietary oral thin film formulation for treating acute migraines. This marks the first product utilizing its VersaFilm® technology to hit the global market. RIZAPORT is designed for patients who struggle with swallowing pills, addressing a significant segment of the migraine population, where approximately 80% experience migraine-related nausea. The European migraine drug market is expected to grow from over $1 billion in 2019 to nearly $1.5 billion by 2024.

Positive

• Launch of RIZAPORT® in Spain expands IntelGenx's market presence.
• Innovative delivery method addresses needs of patients with nausea and swallowing difficulties.
• Potential growth in European migraine drug market valued at $1.5 billion by 2024.

Negative

• None.

SAINT LAURENT, Quebec, Sept. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IntelGenx Corp. (TSX V:IGX)(OTCQB:IGXT) (the "Company" or "IntelGenx") today announced that Exeltis Healthcare S.L. (“Exeltis”), its commercialization partner in the European Union (“EU”) for RIZAPORT^®, a unique for the treatment of acute migraines, has launched the product in Spain.

RIZAPORT^® is a proprietary oral thin film formulation of rizatriptan benzoate, a 5-HT1 receptor agonist and the active drug in Merck & Co.'s Maxalt^®. Rizatriptan is considered to be one of the most effective oral triptans, a class of molecules that constricts blood vessels in the brain to relieve swelling and other migraine symptoms.¹ RIZAPORT^® is based on IntelGenx's proprietary VersaFilm^® technology. It dissolves rapidly and releases its active ingredient in the mouth. The administration method of the RIZAPORT^® oral soluble film, which does not require the patient to swallow a pill or consume water, along with its neutral flavor, presents a therapeutic alternative for migraine patients, especially for those who suffer from migraine-related nausea, estimated to be approximately 80% of the total migraine patient population, and for patients suffering from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).¹

“This is the first VersaFilm^®-based product to launch in the global pharmaceutical market and comes on the heels of IntelGenx’s recent transition to a commercial-stage company,” said Dr. Horst G. Zerbe, CEO of IntelGenx. “The European migraine drug market is large and growing. It was valued at more than US$1 billion in 2019 and is expected to approach US$1.5 billion by 2024.² We are looking forward to continuing to support Exeltis’ launch of RIZAPORT^® in Spain, as well as its plans to bring this therapy to migraine patients in additional EU countries in the future.”

“We are excited to bring this innovative and easy-to-administer treatment to migraine patients in Spain,” said Alberto Fabregas, Managing Director of Exeltis Healthcare. “We are also looking forward to continued collaboration with IntelGenx, and to launching RIZAPORT^® in additional markets.”

References:

¹ Láinez MJA. (2006) Rizatriptan in the treatment of migraine. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2006 Sep; 2(3): 247–259.

² Lipton RB, Buse DC, Saiers J, Fanning KM, Serrano D, Reed ML. (2013) Frequency and burden of headache-related nausea: results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) study, Headache. 2013 Jan;53(1):93-103.

³ Market Data Forecast. “Europe Migraine Drug Market Industry Report 2019-2024. Market Data Forecast, 18 Aug. 2020, www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-migraine-drug-Market.

About Exeltis Healthcare S.L.

Exeltis is a fast-growing division of the integrated health sciences group Insud Pharma. With a global footprint spanning over 40 countries, Exeltis has a team of more than 4,000 professionals supported by a global manufacturing network. It boasts a leadership position in the Women’s Health segment, offering an extensive portfolio of products to respond to women’s needs in the areas of fertility, reproductive health, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. In WHC, Exeltis’ overarching goal is to support and care for women throughout every stage of life. In recent years, Exeltis has also diversified into Central Nervous System (CNS) as a core area of growth. Some indications, as migraine, are prioritized due to its synergy with WHC.

About IntelGenx

IntelGenx is a leading drug delivery company focused on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical films.

IntelGenx’s superior film technologies, including VersaFilm^®, DisinteQ™, VetaFilm™ and transdermal VevaDerm™, allow for next generation pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs. IntelGenx’s innovative product pipeline offers significant benefits to patients and physicians for many therapeutic conditions.

IntelGenx's highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP and regulatory services. IntelGenx's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility offers full service by providing lab-scale to pilot- and commercial-scale production. For more information, visit www.intelgenx.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

This document may contain forward-looking information about IntelGenx' operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about IntelGenx' plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," and similar expressions. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, IntelGenx' actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in IntelGenx' annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov, and also filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. IntelGenx assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Each of the TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQB has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

For IntelGenx:

Stephen Kilmer
Investor Relations
(514) 331-7440 ext 232
stephen@intelgenx.com

Or

Andre Godin, CPA, CA
President and CFO
IntelGenx Corp.
(514) 331-7440 ext 203
andre@intelgenx.com

FAQ

What is RIZAPORT® and how does it work?

RIZAPORT® is an oral thin film formulation of rizatriptan benzoate, used for treating acute migraines. It dissolves in the mouth, providing an alternative for patients who struggle with swallowing pills.

When was RIZAPORT® launched in Spain?

RIZAPORT® was launched in Spain on September 7, 2021.

What is the significance of the VersaFilm® technology?

VersaFilm® technology allows for rapid dissolution and efficient delivery of medication, catering to patients with difficulty swallowing and those experiencing nausea.

What is the size of the European migraine drug market?

The European migraine drug market was valued at over $1 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach approximately $1.5 billion by 2024.

Who is the commercialization partner for RIZAPORT® in the EU?

Exeltis Healthcare S.L. is the commercialization partner for RIZAPORT® in the European Union.