New analyses from phase 3, long-term, open-label, repeat-dose study of VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) CIV will be presented
Additional presentations explore anticipatory anxiety of seizures, short-term impacts of seizures on daily life and comparison of treated versus untreated seizure clusters
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurelis, Inc., today announced that the company will present six poster presentations at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting held in Orlando, Florida from December 1 – 5, 2023. Two of the presentations include new analyses of data from the completed long-term phase 3 open-label, repeat-dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray (VALTOCO®) for the treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years, evaluating timing, safety, and effectiveness of treatment. A third presentation focuses on the further assessment of diazepam in a novel preclinical model dosing strategy with potential application for further in vivo studies. Additional presentations explore the concept of anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS) through literature review, comparison of treated and untreated seizure clusters in a retrospective analysis from the SeizureTracker® database, and the short-term impact of seizures beyond the seizure itself.
"Our ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes by addressing gaps in seizure cluster treatment and control," said Adrian L. Rabinowicz, M.D., Chief Medical Officer. "The data presented this year at the AES annual meeting demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving the future of epilepsy care by advancing meaningful, patient-focused treatment outcomes for people with epilepsy."
"Neurelis is at the forefront of epilepsy research, as evidenced by the wide breadth of data presented at this year's AES annual meeting," said Enrique Carrazana, M.D., Neurelis Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. "We look forward to sharing our latest advances and insights with our colleagues who strive to improve care and outcomes for people with epilepsy, particularly those who experience frequent seizure activity and have a high unmet need."
Poster Session Details
Poster Session 2: Sunday, December 3rd, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET
Poster Session 3: Monday, December 4th, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
VALTOCO, a nasal spray for acute treatment of episodes of frequent seizure activity in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 10, 2020.
About Neurelis
Neurelis, Inc., is a neuroscience company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of epilepsy and orphan neurologic disorders characterized by high unmet medical need. In 2020, the FDA approved Neurelis' VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) as an acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from an individual's usual seizure pattern in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. VALTOCO is a proprietary formulation of diazepam incorporating the science of INTRAVAIL®. Intravail's transmucosal absorption enhancement technology enables the noninvasive delivery of a broad range of protein, peptide and small-molecule drugs. In its approval of VALTOCO, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also granted Neurelis Orphan Drug Exclusivity and recognized VALTOCO's intranasal route of administration as a clinically superior contribution to patient care over the previously approved standard-of-care treatment (a rectal gel formulation of diazepam). For more information on VALTOCO, please visit www.valtoco.com. In addition, Neurelis is developing NRL-1049 (previously known as BA-1049), an investigational, Phase I stage small molecule Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, for the treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMS), a rare disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). For more information on Neurelis, please visit www.neurelis.com. For the latest scientific information on VALTOCO, please visit http://www.neurelismedicalaffairs.com/.
Important Safety Information about VALTOCO:
Indication
VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) is indicated for the acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient's usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 6 years of age and older.
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS
Contraindications: VALTOCO is contraindicated in patients with:
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression
Benzodiazepines, including VALTOCO, may produce CNS depression. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or riding a bicycle, until the effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, have subsided, and as their medical condition permits.
The potential for a synergistic CNS-depressant effect when VALTOCO is used with alcohol or other CNS depressants must be considered, and appropriate recommendations made to the patient and/or care partner.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including VALTOCO, increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Glaucoma
Benzodiazepines, including VALTOCO, can increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. VALTOCO may only be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma only if they are receiving appropriate therapy. VALTOCO is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome
Use of VALTOCO late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in the neonate. Monitor neonates exposed to VALTOCO during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation and monitor neonates exposed to VALTOCO during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal; manage these neonates accordingly.
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative
VALTOCO is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions, including "gasping syndrome," can occur in neonates and low-birth-weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol–preserved drugs, including VALTOCO. The "gasping syndrome" is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known.
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions (at least 4%) were somnolence, headache, and nasal discomfort.
Diazepam, the active ingredient in VALTOCO, is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Neurelis, Inc. at 1-866-696-3873 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (www.fda.gov/medwatch).
Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
Contacts:
Neurelis:
Brittany Bradrick, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, +1 858 251 2135
Media:
Glenn Silver, FINN Partners, +1 646 871 8485
SOURCE Neurelis, Inc.