Austin, TX, Feb. 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Xeris”) will present data from a human factors study with its G-PenTM glucagon auto-injector during the 9th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes being held at the Milano Congressi in Milan, Italy from February 3rd to 6th. The data to be presented demonstrate significant progress in the development and commercialization of Xeris’ novel glucagon auto-injector.
Key findings from the study include:
- 88% of subjects were able to successfully administer the G-PenTM auto-injector versus only 31% of subjects successfully administering currently available glucagon rescue kits
- Median total rescue time for the G-PenTM was 35 seconds versus 96 for current glucagon emergency kits (of those subjects actually able to successfully administer the injections)
- 100% of subjects preferred the G-PenTM auto-injector and reported it to be easier, safer, faster and more convenient
“These results highlight the significant unmet needs for simpler and more reliable glucagon delivery systems, and the potential role of the G-PenTM in meeting these needs,” stated Dr. Steven Prestrelski, Chief Scientific Officer for Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The presentation is:
Oral Presentation: "Formative, Comparative Human Factors Study of a Glucagon Auto-Injector vs. Reconstituted Glucagon in a Simulated Severe Hypoglycemia Rescue Situation" will be presented by Brett Newswanger, MBA, on Saturday, February 6th, 2016, 8:30 a.m. CET, #ATTD-0061.
The presentation abstracts can be accessed by registered meeting attendees through the association's web site, www.attd2016.com.
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 due to dysregulated glucagon secretion. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition and can lead to seizures, coma, potential brain injury and, if untreated, death. Xeris proprietary formulation technology has the potential to provide the first soluble, stable, ready-to-inject glucagon for use by people with diabetes and other indications to prevent or manage both moderate and severe hypoglycemia, and achieve optimal glucose control.
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 XeriSol™ and XeriJect™ formulation technologies allow for the subcutaneous and intradermal delivery of highly concentrated, non-aqueous, ready-to-inject formulations of peptides, proteins, antibodies and small molecules using auto-injectors, multi-dose pens and pumps. Xeris' proprietary formulation platforms have the potential to offer distinct advantages over existing products and formulations including: up to 1000-fold lower injection volumes, long term room-temperature stability, elimination of reconstitution and refrigeration, all of which can lead to products that are easier to use by patients, caregivers, health practitioners, and can reduce costs for payers and the healthcare system. For more information please visit the Xeris website at: www.xerispharma.com.
###