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Vancouver, BC. February 1, 2017 – Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (“Aequus” or the “Company”), today announced funding of up to CAD$100,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (“NRC-IRAP”) to support the ongoing Proof of Concept clinical study of its lead product candidate, AQS1301, a once-weekly transdermal aripiprazole patch.
Aequus anticipates results of this repeat dose, 28-day study in the first quarter of 2017. The results will be used to inform the final design of the patch to be advanced into the regulatory phase of its clinical trials.
“We are appreciative of NRC-IRAP’s support towards the clinical research of AQS1301,” said Anne Stevens, COO and Director of Aequus Pharmaceuticals. “We believe that a once-weekly transdermal patch for aripiprazole will provide patients with a much needed convenient and easy to use long acting alternative, aiding in improving patient adherence to this important medication. The current study will help define our clinical and commercial prototype patch and moves us one step closer to finalizing partnering discussions for the next steps in the development and commercialization of this product.”
About AQS1301
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.
The product is currently in clinical development; Aequus expects to confirm its regulatory development plan in a pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2017.
About Aequus
Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) is a growing 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.
Abilify® is a registered trademark of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Contact Information:
Aequus Investor Relations
Email: investors@aequuspharma.ca
Phone: 604-336-7906