King Pharmaceuticals starts phase 3 trial of Vanquix for seizures

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 5 - King Pharmaceuticals will begin a phase 3 clinical trial program evaluating its investigational drug Vanquix as a treatment for acute, repetitive seizures associated with epilepsy.

Diazepam, the active ingredient in Vanquix, is administered using King's auto-injector technology. Products currently on the market that use King's auto-injector technology include EpiPen for the emergency treatment of severe anaphylaxis.

"We are pleased to report the commencement of our pivotal phase 3 clinical trial program for Vanquix. Currently, there is no commercially available adjunctive injectable therapy, outside of a hospital setting, for the emergency treatment of acute, repetitive epileptic seizures. We believe Vanquix has the potential to effectively address this unmet medical need," stated Michael K. Jolly, executive vice president, research and development, of King, in a news release.

A diazepam rectal gel is the only product presently available for the management of patients with acute, repetitive seizures by a caregiver other than a health care professional. This type of product may be difficult to administer during a seizure, in addition to being objectionable to many patients and caregivers, particularly in public settings.

King Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Bristol, Tenn., is a vertically integrated branded pharmaceutical company.

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