Braeburn Pharmaceuticals announced today that it has expanded its current therapeutic focus beyond addiction and pain to include schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric disorders. Braeburn has acquired an implantable, six-month formulation of the atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic risperidone for treatment of schizophrenia from Endo Pharmaceuticals. With the risperidone acquisition Braeburn acquires global rights to other potential applications of the implant platform technology known as the MedLaunch Implant Program. Braeburn has also licensed development and commercialization rights from Oncothyreon to ATI-9242, a novel, atypical antipsychotic compound for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Risperidone is currently the leading agent used for treatment of schizophrenia and has a well-established record of safety and effectiveness. However, the utility of risperidone and other schizophrenia agents is dependent on consistent administration of therapeutic doses. Daily dosing of risperidone is particularly challenging for patients with schizophrenia where improvement in symptoms often leads to discontinuation of medication. It is increasingly understood that long-acting formulations of schizophrenia treatments are essential to optimizing patient outcomes. Although monthly injectable formulations of risperidone are available, no FDA-approved formulation offers stable treatment for six months.
In addition to developing novel formulations to improve existing therapies, Braeburn is also committed to developing the next generation of therapies by exploring promising new molecules. ATI-9242 is a novel, antipsychotic with broad effect but minimal side effects with potential to fill continued unmet need in treatment of schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric disorders. ATI-9242 was designed by Aryx Therapeutics, Inc. to have many of the benefits of clozapine but without the well-documented adverse effects of clozapine. Because of the central importance of compliance in treatment of schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric disorders, Braeburn plans to develop ATI-9242 as a long-acting formulation.
“The risperidone six-month implant and ATI-9242 provide two distinct opportunities to help patients manage schizophrenia. With these new promising assets, Braeburn continues its commitment to developing long-acting implantable and injectable treatments where additional options are acutely needed,”