MonoSol Rx, the developer of PharmFilm drug delivery technology, announced that the company plans to develop a second oral film product for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with its partner KemPharm, Inc. (“KemPharm”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of new, safer therapies for the treatment of ADHD, pain, and other central nervous system disorders. KP415, which was recently discovered by KemPharm, is a novel prodrug of methylphenidate, a commonly used medication for the treatment of ADHD.

The companies plan to co-develop the oral film dosage form of KP415 under a previously established exclusive technology and manufacturing partnership, which also currently includes KP106, a prodrug of d-amphetamine. If approved, these drug candidates will be the first oral film products for the treatment of ADHD, which consists primarily of a paediatric patient population.

A Mark Schobel, co-president and CEO of MonoSol Rx, stated, “The addition of KP415 to our partnership with KemPharm provides us with a portfolio of highly differentiated products for treating ADHD. We believe delivery of KP415 and KP106, using our patented PharmFilm technology, significantly improves the convenience with which these novel molecules, which represent two major classes of drugs used to treat ADHD, can be dosed. This may improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.  We look forward to working closely with KemPharm to advance these programs and to commercializing the first ADHD treatments using oral film drug delivery.”

Travis C Mickle, Ph.D., president and CEO of KemPharm said, “We share our enthusiasm about the discovery of KP415 with our partners at MonoSol Rx. Along with KP106, our diversified, next-generation ADHD portfolio has the potential to change the way this disorder is treated by creating novel prodrugs with the potential to improve upon existing therapies in clinically meaningful ways.”

Under terms of the agreement, the companies will co-develop and commercialize KemPharm’s KP415 and KP106 utilizing MonoSol Rx’s PharmFilm delivery platform. MonoSol Rx will be the exclusive manufacturer and be eligible for development milestone payments.

KP415, KemPharm’s preclinical candidate for the treatment of ADHD, is composed of methylphenidate and a ligand. In preclinical studies, KP415 demonstrated an improved pharmacokinetic profile, with the potential to lower the therapeutic dose of methylphenidate and possibly reduce the side effects consistent with stimulants such as loss of appetite and insomnia.  Additionally, KemPharm has filed a provisional patent application covering key aspects of KP415.

KP106, KemPharm’s lead prodrug candidate for the treatment of ADHD, is composed of d-amphetamine and a ligand.  In clinical studies, KP106 demonstrated pharmacokinetics indicative of attenuated amphetamine exposure as compared to Vyvanse. These data suggest that patients receiving KP106 may experience decreased side effects and that KP106 may reduce the potential for abuse typically associated with stimulants. In addition, KemPharm is positioning KP106 to be the first ever proprietary oral film dosage form for ADHD. KemPharm projects the filing of a new drug application (NDA) for KP106 in 1H2013.

KemPharm, Inc. is focused on the discovery and development of new chemical entities (NCEs) to treat serious medical conditions through its proprietary and broadly applicable LAT prodrug approach.