Aequus Announces Positive Results from Second Proof of Concept Study for Long-Acting Aripiprazole Transdermal Patch

Apr 3, 2017

Vancouver, BC. April 3, 2017– Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”), today announced results from its second Proof of Concept study designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability following repeat exposure of its once-weekly aripiprazole transdermal patch, AQS1301, for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders. Aripiprazole is among the most commonly prescribed anti-psychotics globally under the trade name Abilify ®, however the once-daily oral delivery system of Abilify ® can be limited by low rates of patient adherence. Aequus’ market research involving over 250 psychiatrists indicates that up to 42% of patients in certain populations experience a relapse at least once a year due to non-adherence to their oral medication. These physicians provided strong feedback around the need for a non-invasive, long-acting alternative to this important medication, such as a once-weekly patch.

The purpose of this multi-dose study was to evaluate the bioavailability of AQS1301 following four weeks of exposure in order to establish steady state plasma levels. This was achieved in healthy male volunteers aged 45-65.

As predicted, steady state of the current formulation was reached in week three of dosing, with relative concentrations of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole, comparable to oral dosing of Abilify ®. There were no serious adverse events or safety concerns.

“We are pleased that results from the study met our expectations,” said Doug Janzen, President and CEO at Aequus. “We continue to work with patient groups and physicians to ensure the commercial presentation of our product meets the needs of the patient populations that we have identified as the best suited potential candidates for a transdermal patch, namely major depressive disorder in elderly patients in a homecare setting, autistic patients suffering from irritability, as well as newly diagnosed and mild bipolar patients.”

Following the results of this study, Aequus anticipates meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting to define the clinical strategy and path forward for regulatory approval in the US.

STUDY DESIGN

The multi-dose Proof of Concept clinical trial was intended to evaluate the bioavailability and safety of Aequus’ once-weekly transdermal patch for aripiprazole, AQS1301. The study was a follow-on to the successfully completed single-dose exposure proof of concept study which suggested that the current formulation delivers sustained levels of therapeutic doses of aripiprazole over a seven-day period. This repeat dose, 28-day study enrolled eight healthy male volunteers who were dosed with four successive applications of a once-weekly patch followed by a wash out period. One subject was removed for protocol violation during the study period, seven subjects completed the study. Blood samples for both aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole were drawn, and the plasma concentrations compared against published PK profiles for both the oral and once-monthly injectable formulations.

ABOUT ARIPIPRAZOLE

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic and the active ingredient in Abilify ®, a leading medication in the US used for the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders including bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and irritability associated with autistic disorder. Aripiprazole is currently available in once-daily oral tablets and a once-monthly injectable form, however, medication adherence continues to be a significant challenge for patients. Aequus has developed and owns global rights to a seven-day patch application of aripiprazole intended to provide patients with a convenient and easy to use long acting alternative, in an effort to reduce the rate of relapse that may result from patients not adhering to their prescribed dosing schedule.

ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus’ development stage pipeline includes several products in neurology, psychiatry and women’s health with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada alongside its current portfolio of marketed established medicines and will look to form strategic partnerships that would maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Aequus plans to build on its Canadian commercial platform through the launch of additional products that are either created internally or brought in through an acquisition or license, remaining focused on highly specialized therapeutic areas. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca.

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Aequus Contact Information
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