Palatin Technologies, Inc. Announces Positive Safety Results in Subcutaneous Bremelanotide Trial in Men

CRANBURY, N.J., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PTN) today announced positive results of a Phase 1 clinical trial of subcutaneously administered bremelanotide, its melanocortin agonist drug candidate for treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The results demonstrate that with subcutaneous administration consistent therapeutic blood plasma levels can be obtained without sustained clinically significant blood pressure effects and support the continued development of bremelanotide.

As part of the analysis of the effects of bremelanotide on blood pressure, the Company engaged an independent panel of cardiovascular experts to evaluate both study results and an integrated cardiovascular safety analysis conducted on data from completed bremelanotide studies. Based on recommendations from the outside panel and its own internal review, Palatin intends to engage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in discussions regarding clinical trial designs to further study bremelanotide for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Palatin expects to meet with the FDA in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2010 to discuss initiation of a Phase 2 study of subcutaneously administered bremelanotide, as a monotherapy and as a combination therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor such as sildenafil (Viagra®), for men with ED who are not responsive or inadequately responsive to PDE-5 inhibitor therapies alone.  

The objective of the placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, cross over safety study was evaluation of blood pressure effects of subcutaneous bremelanotide in healthy male volunteers between 45 and 65 years old.  The study also evaluated dose-to-dose consistency of plasma exposure of bremelanotide.  A total of 49 subjects were dosed in the safety study; nineteen of the subjects were enrolled in a sub-study and completed a graded exercise treadmill test as a surrogate for the cardiovascular effects of sexual activity.

"The commercial opportunity of bremelanotide for sexual dysfunction is significant.  About 35% of patients with ED do not respond to approved oral therapies, and with limited treatment options these patients are ideal candidates for subcutaneous bremelanotide," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. "Plus, we have an additional opportunity with female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which also represents a large market opportunity with no FDA approved drugs."

About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.  Up to 35% of men are non-responsive to standard therapies with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®).   The current worldwide market for ED drugs is over $4.0 billion.  There are limited therapeutic options for ED patients non-responsive to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy, including alprostadil for direct penis injection or urethral suppositories, surgical penile implants and various devices.

About Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)

FSD includes four disorders, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, sexual pain disorder and orgasmic disorder. To establish a diagnosis of FSD, these syndromes must be associated with personal distress, as determined by the affected woman. A February 10, 1999 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, titled, "Sexual Dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and Predictors," states that approximately 43% of women suffer from some form of FSD. There are no drugs in the United States approved for FSD indications.

About Bremelanotide

Bremelanotide, a synthetic peptide developed and solely owned by Palatin Technologies, is believed to act through activation of melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system. Nasal formulations of bremelanotide have been extensively studied, including Phase 2B studies for erectile dysfunction in both non-diabetic and diabetic patients and Phase 2A studies for female sexual dysfunction in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Increases in blood pressure observed in some patients receiving nasally administered bremelanotide, coupled with significant variation in plasma levels, lead to discontinuation of nasally administered bremelanotide as a first-line therapy for sexual dysfunction. Palatin is developing subcutaneous bremelanotide as a therapeutic for treatment of men with erectile dysfunction who are non-responsive to standard therapies with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and for treatment of women with female sexual dysfunction.

About Palatin Technologies, Inc.

Palatin Technologies, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of peptide, peptide mimetic and small molecule agonists with a focus on melanocortin and natriuretic peptide receptor systems. Palatin's strategy is to develop products and then form marketing collaborations with industry leaders in order to maximize their commercial potential.  For additional information regarding Palatin, please visit Palatin Technologies' website at www.palatin.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about future expectations of Palatin Technologies, Inc. such as statements about bremelanotide clinical trial results, potential actions by regulatory agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), proposed indications for bremelanotide, timing, duration, cost and results of proposed clinical trials with bremelanotide, regulatory plans with bremelanotide, and market potential for bremelanotide, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Palatin intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Palatin's actual results to be materially different from its historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Palatin's actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements for reasons including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials, regulatory actions by the FDA and the need for regulatory approvals, Palatin's ability to fund development of its technology and establish and successfully complete clinical trials, the length of time and cost required to complete clinical trials and submit applications for regulatory approvals, products developed by competing pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, commercial acceptance of Palatin's products,  and other factors discussed in Palatin's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Palatin is not responsible for updating for events that occur after the date of this press release.

SOURCE Palatin Technologies, Inc.