IntelGenx’s (TSXV:IGX; OTCQB:IGXT) commercialization partner in the EU, Exeltis Healthcare, launched RIZAPORT, a unique treatment of acute migraine, in Spain.
RIZAPORT is based on IntelGenx’s VersaFilm technology and consists of an proprietary oral thin film formulation of rizatriptan benzoate, a 5-HT1 receptor agonist and the active drug in Merck’s, Maxalt.
Rizatriptan is considered to be one of the most effective oral triptans, a class of molecules that constricts blood vessels in the brain to relieve swelling and other migraine symptoms.
RIZAPORT dissolves rapidly and releases its active ingredient in the mouth. The administration method of the RIZAPORT oral soluble film, which does not require the patient to swallow a pill or consume water, along with its neutral flavor, presents a therapeutic alternative for migraine patients, especially for those who suffer from migraine-related nausea, estimated to be about 80% of the total migraine patient population, and for patients suffering from difficulty in swallowing.
“This is the first VersaFilm-based product to launch in the global pharmaceutical market and comes on the heels of IntelGenx’s recent transition to a commercial-stage company,” Dr. Horst Zerbe, CEO of IntelGenx, said in a statement.
The European migraine drug market was valued at more than $1-billion in 2019 and is expected to approach $1.5-billion by 2024,
“We are looking forward to continuing to support Exeltis’ launch of RIZAPORT in Spain, as well as its plans to bring this therapy to migraine patients in additional EU countries in the future,” Dr. Zerbe said.
Alberto Fabregas, managing director of Exeltis Healthcare, said “the company is looking forward to continued collaboration with IntelGenx, and launching RIZAPORT in additional markets.”
