Emisphere Technologies, Inc announced that a study by Novartis Pharma AG and its partner Nordic Bioscience demonstrated that oral salmon calcitonin using Emisphere's proprietary Eligen(r) Technology taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals with 50 ml of water results in improved absorption and improved efficacy measured by the biomarker of reduced bone resorption (sCTX-I) compared to the commonly prescribed nasal formulation. The study was a randomized, partially-blind, placebo-controlled, single dose exploratory crossover clinical trial using 56 healthy postmenopausal women. The results are published in the current issue of BMC Clinical Pharmacology.

Salmon calcitonin is used to treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis represents a large market, including 10 million managed patients and 34 million additional individuals at risk. An ideal treatment with an optimal efficacy/safety/convenience profile is not available, suggesting a clear need that could be addressed by Novartis' new oral calcitonin formulation using Emisphere's technology. Oral calcitonin could provide a safe, effective and convenient alternative to existing therapies in osteoporosis and is currently investigated for use in osteoarthritis.

"This study documents the potential application of Emisphere's Eligen(r) Technology as a solution in drug development," said Michael V Novinski, president and chief executive officer of Emisphere.

Emisphere is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on a unique and improved delivery of therapeutic molecules using its Eligen(r) Technology.