“We are very pleased to announce FDA approval of Syndros. We believe that Syndros will be an important new treatment option for patients suffering from the devastating effects of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, as well as those fighting anorexia associated with weight loss in AIDS,” said the Company’s Chairman, CEO and President, Dr. John N. Kapoor.
PHOENIX, July 05, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Insys Therapeutics, Inc. (“Insys” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ:INSY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Insys’ dronabinol oral solution, SyndrosTM, an orally administered liquid formulation of the pharmaceutical cannabinoid dronabinol, a pharmaceutical version of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”). Syndros is approved for use in treating anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments. Syndros is currently awaiting scheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“We are very pleased to announce FDA approval of Syndros. We believe that Syndros will be an important new treatment option for patients suffering from the devastating effects of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, as well as those fighting anorexia associated with weight loss in AIDS,” said the Company’s Chairman, CEO and President, Dr. John N. Kapoor.
“Syndros is the first and only FDA approved dronabinol solution for oral use. It is a liquid that is easy-to-swallow and allows for the dosage to be titrated to clinical effect. Once Syndros has been opened, it does not need to be refrigerated for 28 days. We believe that these product features coupled with patient support services will prove to be important differentiators for patients and prescribers and will be key drivers of a successful market launch and sustained growth. We expect that Syndros’ attractive profile will enable rapid market conversion and expansion, making for a significant long-term commercial opportunity for Insys,” added Dr. Kapoor.
Approximately 9,500 prescribers account for 70% of current dronabinol prescriptions. Insys expects to convert a large portion of the market to Syndros as well as expand the market through direct detailing to physicians, highlighting the improved product profile of Syndros. The Company anticipates launching Syndros in the second half of 2016.
Indications
AIDS
SyndrosTM is approved for anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS.
Oncology
SyndrosTM is approved for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments.
Important Safety Information
Syndros may cause psychiatric and cognitive effects and impair mental and/or physical abilities. Patients with cardiac disorders may experience hypotension, hypertension, syncope, or tachycardia. Discontinue products containing disulfiram or metronidazole at least 14 days before and do not administer 7 days after treatment with Syndros (see Full Prescribing Information).
Weigh the potential risk versus benefits before prescribing SyndrosTM to patients with a history of seizures, including those requiring anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that lower the seizure threshold. Assess risk for abuse or misuse inpatients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, prior to prescribing SyndrosTM and monitor for the development of associated behaviors or conditions. Consider dose reduction or discontinuation, if worsening of symptoms of paradoxical nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain worsen while on treatment.
To learn more about SyndrosTM, and its Important Safety Information, please contact INSYS Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-855-978-2797.
About Insys Therapeutics, Inc.
Insys Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative drugs and novel drug delivery systems of therapeutic molecules that improve the quality of life of patients. Using proprietary sublingual spray technology and capabilities to develop pharmaceutical cannabinoids, Insys addresses the clinical shortcomings of existing commercial products. Insys currently markets one product, Subsys® (fentanyl sublingual spray) but has received approval for the marketing of SyndrosTM (dronabinol oral solution), a proprietary, orally administered liquid formulation of dronabinol that Insys believes has distinct advantages over the current formulation of dronabinol in soft gel capsule. Insys is developing a pipeline of sublingual sprays, as well as pharmaceutical cannabidiol. Insys is committed to developing medications for potentially treating addiction to opioids, opioid overdose, epilepsy and other disease areas with high unmet need.
Subsys® and SyndrosTM are trademarks of Insys Therapeutics, Inc.