A.P. Pharma, Inc. (A.P. Pharma) is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing pharmaceutical products using its Biochronomer polymer-based drug delivery technology. The Company’s primary focus is on its lead product candidate, APF530, which is being developed for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The Company’s Biochronomer technology, on which APF530 and its other product candidates are based, consists of bioerodible polymers designed to release drugs over a defined period of time. As of December 31, 2010, A.P. Pharma had completed over 100 in vivo and in vitro studies that demonstrated its Biochronomer technology was applicable to a range of therapeutic areas, including prevention of nausea and vomiting, pain management, control of inflammation and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. In addition to its lead drug candidate, the Company also has a pipeline of other product candidates that use Biochronomer technology.
APF530
The Company’s lead product candidate, APF530, is being developed for the prevention of acute CINV in patients receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy and for the prevention of delayed CINV in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. APF530 is delivered by a single subcutaneous injection and contains the 5-HT3 antagonist granisetron. Granisetron, for infusion and oral tablets, is approved for the prevention of acute CINV, but not delayed CINV.
APF112
APF112 utilizes its Biochronomer delivery technology to target post-surgical pain relief. The product is designed to provide up to 36 hours of localized pain relief by delivering mepivacaine directly to the surgical site. APF112 is designed to prolong the anesthetic effect of mepivacaine and thus minimize or eliminate the use of opiates. Opiates are used in the majority of surgical procedures as a means of managing post-operative pain, and they may have side effects, such as addiction, nausea, disorientation, sedation, constipation, vomiting, urinary retention and, in some situations, life-threatening respiratory depression.
APF580
APF580 incorporates an opiate into the Company's Biochronomer technology and is designed to provide analgesia lasting at least seven days following a single injection. It is targeted for situations where the intensity and duration of pain require use of an opiate rather than a local anesthetic. APF580 may find use in acute and chronic pain settings, improve patient compliance and reduce the risk of drug abuse.
The Company competes with Alkermes, Inc., Depomed, Inc., Durect Corporation, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roche and GlaxoSmithKline.
