Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions Inc., and BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (BDSI) have reported positive top-line results from its pivotal phase III efficacy study of BEMA buprenorphine in opioid- "naive" subjects. BEMA buprenorphine is being developed for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain in patients requiring around-the-clock opioid therapy for an extended period of time in both patients who are opioid naive and opioid experienced.

The trial successfully met its primary efficacy endpoint in demonstrating that BEMA buprenorphine resulted in significantly (p<0.005) improved chronic pain relief compared to placebo. Additional secondary endpoints were supportive of the efficacy of BEMA buprenorphine compared to placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events in patients treated with buprenorphine compared to placebo were nausea (10% vs. 8%), vomiting (4% vs. 2%) and constipation (4% vs. 2%).

"We are encouraged by today's announced study results, which we believe are meaningful for patients suffering from moderate to severe chronic pain," said Dr Ivan Gergel, executive vice president of research and development Endo. "And we look forward to providing additional updates in mid-2014 regarding the BEMA buprenorphine chronic pain programme."

"We are obviously pleased with the outcome from this trial in opioid naive patients and look forward to the upcoming results of the phase III study for BEMA Buprenorphine for the treatment of chronic pain in opioid experienced patients," said Dr Mark A Sirgo, president and CEO of BDSI. "In addition to these positive and encouraging results, the locking of the database for the opioid naive study has triggered a $10 million milestone payment from Endo per our licensing agreement. We will receive a similar milestone payment related to the completion of the opioid experienced study and if successful, the potential for an NDA submission by late this year."

The second phase III clinical study of BEMA Buprenorphine in an opioid "experienced" patient group is ongoing. Based on recruitment rates in this study, the database for this trial is anticipated to be locked by mid-2014, with results to follow shortly thereafter.

The phase III clinical trial was an enriched-enrollment, double-blind, randomized withdrawal study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BEMA Buprenorphine in the treatment of chronic lower back pain in opioid naive patients. A total of 462 patients who titrated to a well-tolerated, effective dose were randomized to either continue on that dose of BEMA Buprenorphine, or receive placebo (BEMA film with no active drug), with treatment continuing for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the daily average pain numerical rating scale (NRS-Pain) scores from baseline (just prior to randomization) to week twelve of the double-blind treatment period. Pain was self-reported daily on an 11-point numeric rating scale (daily NRS; 0=no pain, 10=worst possible pain).

Endo Health Solutions Inc. is a US-based specialty healthcare company with four distinct business segments that are focused on branded and generic pharmaceuticals, devices and services and provide quality products to its customers while improving the lives of patients.

BioDelivery Sciences International (BDSI) is a specialty pharmaceutical company that is leveraging its novel and proprietary patented drug delivery technologies to develop and commercialize, either on its own or in partnerships with third parties, new applications of proven therapeutics.