Depomed Reports Top Line Data for Phase 2 Study in Parkinson's Disease

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Depomed, Inc. (Nasdaq: DEPO) today announced top line results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of DM-1992, Depomed's investigative novel gastric-retentive, extended-release formulation of carbidopa/levodopa, in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations.

Phase 2 Study Design and Results
The trial was a randomized, active-controlled, open-label, crossover study evaluating DM-1992 dosed twice daily against a generic version of immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa (IR CD/LD) dosed as needed (mean daily dosing frequency = 4.8). 34 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations enrolled in the study at eight U.S. clinical centers. All enrolled patients completed the study.

Baseline measurements were established over a three-day patient self-assessment period during which patients were maintained on existing Parkinson's medications. DM-1992 and IR CD/LD were each administered over a ten-day period that included a six-day dose optimization period, followed by a three-day patient self-assessment period and one in-clinic day for clinician evaluation and pharmacokinetic measurements.

The primary endpoint for the study is change in percent "off" time during waking hours, as measured by patient self-assessment during the treatment period relative to the baseline period. Patients' mean baseline "off" time during waking hours was 5.4 hours per day (32.5%), compared to 4.5 hours (27.2%) during the DM-1992 self-assessment period and 5.5 hours (33.5%) for the IR CD/LD comparator. The reduction in percent "off" time reported during the DM-1992 patient self-assessment period relative to the IR CD/LD comparator was statistically significant (p = 0.047).

Patients who experienced an "off" state for more than two hours were permitted to take IR CD/LD as rescue medication. Patients took 1.3 mean daily doses of rescue medication during the DM-1992 patient self-assessment period, compared to 0.2 mean daily doses for the IR CD/LD comparator.

DM-1992 was generally well tolerated in the study. There were no serious adverse events.

"We will continue to evaluate these data, as we consider partnering opportunities for DM-1992 and monitor competitive developments," said James Schoeneck, Depomed's President and CEO.

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects nearly one million Americans, with significant prevalence growth expected over the next 25 years due to aging population demographics. Six million people worldwide are estimated to have Parkinson's. While the average age at onset is 60, disease onset starts by age 40 in an estimated five to 10 percent of patients, and people as young as 30 can also be affected. Current therapies are effective in addressing only the mild/moderate motor symptoms of the disease and have significant long-term side effects. There are no drugs available that target the numerous non-motor aspects of the disease as well as the underlying degenerative process.

About Depomed
Depomed, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company with three approved and marketed products. Gralise^® (gabapentin) is a once-daily treatment approved for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Zipsor^® (diclofenac potassium) Liquid Filled Capsules is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of mild to moderate acute pain in adults. Glumetza^® (metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets) is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes and is commercialized by Santarus, Inc. in the United States. Depomed formulates its products and product candidates with its proven, proprietary Acuform^® drug delivery technology, which is designed to improve existing oral medications, allowing for extended release of medications to the upper gastrointestinal tract when dosed with food. Additional information about Depomed may be found on its website, www.depomed.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those related to our clinical development programs and other risks detailed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.  The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that any of the company's plans or objectives will be achieved. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CONTACT:
August J. Moretti
Depomed, Inc.
650-462-5900
[email protected]

SOURCE Depomed, Inc.