Health Canada gives Paladin priority review

Paladin Labs’ (TSX:PLB) new drug submission for sublingual fentanyl has been accepted for priority review by Health Canada, which provides for a 180-day review cycle.

“Abstral is an innovative product that will fulfill an unmet need for cancer patients in Canada and will complement our growing promoted pain portfolio, which includes Tridural, Metadol and Pennsaid,” Paladin CEO Jonathan Goodman said in a statement.

Paladin obtained the Canadian license for Abstral from ProStrakan Group (LSE: PSK) in December, 2008. Abstral is a rapidly-disintegrating, under-the-tongue formulation of fentanyl, a well-established opioid that is used by cancer patients to treat pain.