Wex considering CMO to make Tetrodotoxin

Wex Pharmaceuticals (TSX:WXI) is considering transferring the production of its Tetrodotoxin drug candidate from Nanning, China to a contract manufacturing outsource company.

In a statement, Wex  said it expects to finalize the assessment of this possible transfer and its accounting implications during 2010.  The company is changing its yearend to Dec. 31 from March 31, effective Dec. 31, 2009.

As of Feb. 12, 2010, Wex said it has 11 active sites involved in its Canadian pivotal trials for Tetrodotoxin and has enrolled 60 patients in the TEC-006 trial.  About 62% of patients, who completed the TEC-006 trial, have chosen to enrol in the TEC-006OL trial.

Wex expects to receive an interim analysis of the trial during the third quarter this year.  Assuming that an independent data monitoring committee recommends Wex continue the trial to the planned 120 evaluable patients, the company anticipates that patient enrolment will be completed in the first half of 2011.

Tetrodotoxin, a sodium channel blocker, is the platform for the Wex’s development of a portfolio of products in the field of analgesia, drug addiction withdrawal treatment, and local anaesthesia.