Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions Inc. and specialty pharmaceutical company, BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.  have completed interim analyses of both the opioid naive and opioid experienced phase III trials for BEMA Buprenorphine.

The interim analyses were conducted as part of the phase III protocol to allow for adjustments to the sample size in order to maintain appropriate study power to detect statistically significant differences between BEMA Buprenorphine and placebo.  The analyses were conducted by an independent biostatistician.

Endo and BDSI view the outcomes of the interim analyses as encouraging. As a result of the interim analyses, it was determined that no sample size adjustment will be necessary to the opioid naive study.  Additional patients will be added to the ongoing opioid experienced trial to maintain appropriate power to allow for the detection of a statistically significant difference between BEMA Buprenorphine and placebo based on the primary efficacy endpoint.

"We are encouraged by the outcomes of the interim analyses which were conducted to determine if the original sample size assumptions were appropriate and to allow for adjustments to the study sample size to preserve appropriate study power," stated Dr. Ivan Gergel, executive vice president of research & development at Endo.  "As a leader in the treatment of chronic pain we are excited about the potential for BEMA Buprenorphine as one of our lead development programmes for our branded pharmaceuticals business."

"The outcomes of the interim analyses are significant because they utilized actual study data to confirm or adjust sample sizes, and importantly, maintain probability of a successful outcome," said Dr. Mark A. Sirgo, President and CEO of BDSI. "Data from the opioid naive study appear consistent with our original assumptions and no additional patients are required. This study has completed patient enrollment, and we continue to anticipate the study results early next year. We expect that the additional patients required for the opioid experienced trial will result in a slight adjustment to the timing for the completion of that study to mid 2014.  While no major impact is anticipated for the timing of the NDA submission, which was scheduled for the second half of 2014, more definitive timing will be provided when patient enrollment is completed."

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

BioDelivery Sciences International 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.