Austin, Texas, April 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Xeris") announces today that is has been granted U.S. Patent No. 8,697,644, "Stable Formulations for Parenteral Injection of Peptide Drugs". The new formulation technology will enable peptides that are typically given as aqueous injections to be reformulated into biocompatible, concentrated, non-aqueous solutions. Different from their predecessors, these formulations can be directly injected without reconstitution, saving time during medical emergencies related to Type 1 diabetes among other diseases. This is the second patent issued that supports Xeris' novel,non-aqueous drug delivery technology.
Dr. Steven Prestrelski, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Xeris, explains that "this patent will ultimately support several novel administration systems for glucagon including auto-injectors, pens and pumps. As part of Xeris' core technology platform these concentrated solutions will allow for simpler injections improving patient care and quality of life."
The stable formulations described in the patent have broad application in the development of reformulated drug products. The technology will remove many of the barriers to patients starting and maintaining injectable therapies, many of which include medications that are inherently unstable in aqueous solutions.
The first application of this formulation technology will be the development of an injectable form of glucagon under investigation for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Currently, the standard of treatment for severe hypoglycemia requires the use of glucagon as a lyophilized powder which can be complex and burdensome, especially when a medical professional is not present. Xeris expects to leverage the new patent to create a product that is easy to administer and patient-friendly. The patent's breadth and versatility will allow for the development of multiple products based on glucagon for treatment of hypoglycemia in multiple indications.
About Glucagon
Glucagon is a metabolic hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by causing the liver to rapidly convert glycogen (the stored form of glucose) into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. Glucagon and insulin are two critical hormones in a glycemic control system that keeps blood glucose at the right level in healthy individuals. In people with diabetes who are dependent on insulin, this control system is disrupted and insulin must be injected prior to meals to avoid high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia). The opposite effect of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is also prevalent in this population, resulting from too much insulin followed by too small a meal without enough carbohydrates. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition and can lead to seizures, coma, potential brain injury and, if untreated, death. Xeris' proprietary formulation has the potential to provide the first soluble, stable, ready to inject glucagon for use by people with diabetes to manage both moderate and severe hypoglycemia.
About Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Xeris is an Austin, Texas-based, specialty biopharmaceutical company developing improved and differentiated injectable therapeutics for multiple indications including diabetes. The company's proprietary non-aqueous formulation technologies allow for the subcutaneous and intradermal delivery of highly concentrated, non-aqueous, ready-to-inject suspension and solution formulations of peptides, proteins, antibodies and small molecules. Xeris' proprietary formulation approach intends to offer distinct advantages over existing products and formulations including: up to 1000-fold lower injection volumes, eliminating the need for reconstitution and refrigeration, with extended room temperature shelf-life stability, all of which can lead to products that are easier to use by patients, caregivers, health practitioners, and that can reduce costs for payors and the healthcare system. For more information please visit the Xeris website at: www.xerispharma.com