QRxPharma signs contractual agreement with Patheon

QRxPharma Limited (ASX: QRX and OTCQX: QRXPY) announced today a contractual agreement with Patheon to manufacture clinical supplies of QRxPharma's controlled release Dual-Opioid(TM) formulation (MoxDuo(TM)CR). MoxDuo(TM)CR is designed to provide 12 hours of pain relief in patients suffering from moderate to severe chronic pain (including cancer, lower back, osteoarthritis and neuropathic).

"The Patheon relationship represents a major step forward for QRxPharma that rounds out our platform of MoxDuo(TM) products," said Dr. John Holaday, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. "Patheon is a well-known manufacturing organisation with proven ability to develop novel formulations of drugs that address global markets. Our goal is to provide physicians and patients with a variety of complementary Dual Opioids(TM) for managing moderate to severe pain. MoxDuo(TM)CR is expected to deliver clinical benefits similar to those clinically demonstrated with MoxDuo(TM)IR (immediate release formulation) - fewer side effects and superior pain relief."

The new formulation includes tamper resistant features and is designed to provide 12 hours of pain relief. "We are targeting a twice daily dosage with MoxDuo(TM) CR, and we anticipate our initial Phase 1 studies will begin this year to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of this patented formulation," said Holaday. "QRxPharma's most advanced product for treating acute pain, MoxDuo(TM)IR, is now in Phase 3 trials and scheduled for New Drug Application (NDA) filing with the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010. QRxPharma's formulation of MoxDuo(TM)CR is anticipated to complete clinical trials in 2012."

The Company's MoxDuo product portfolio includes immediate release, controlled release and intravenous formulations to address pain management in hospitals and at home. The goal is to significantly improve patient care, providing equal or better analgesia with fewer and/or less intense side effects than current standards of care.

"We are pleased to announce this manufacturing agreement with QRxPharma for MoxDuo(TM)CR; we are making significant progress with clinical formulations of this unique Dual-Opioid(TM) product," said Wes Wheeler, CEO of Patheon.

"With this agreement, the development of MoxDuo(TM)CR sets the stage to complete the MoxDuo(TM) product portfolio for managing moderate to severe pain in patients dealing with acute and chronic medical problems," Holaday said.