Dive Brief:
- UK-based Oxford Pharmascience has announced it is ready to begin partnering negotiations for the commercialization of its reformulated Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
- Last November, Oxford Pharmascience contacted numerous large biopharma companies about possible partnerships. With the finalization of its commercial materials, Oxford has hired advisors to assist completion of a deal.
- The combined market for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, is $5 billion worldwide. Oxford's reformulated versions were designed to be safer and easier to take.
Dive Insight:
Ibuprofen and naproxen are considered the go-to NSAIDs for pain relief and inflammation reduction. However, despite their efficacy, they also increase risk of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
According to an article published in Arthritis Research and Therapy in 2013, 30% to 50% of NSAID users have some type of endoscopic lesion, such as erosions or ulcerations. Usually these don't manifest clinically and they generally resolve, but up to 2% of all NSAID users experience a serious GI-related adverse event, leading to death in some patients.
Enter Oxford Pharmascience, which developed OXPzero Ibuprofen and Naproxen have a milder effect on the digestive tract. This makes it easier to take for older patients and patients with sensitive GI tracts, while making larger dosing possible.
Shares of Oxford climbed in London trading following the news.